Derby County kept their play-off dream alive with a 2-0 victory over Stoke City at Pride Park, but the win came at a cost as top scorer Patrick Agyemang was carried off on a stretcher with an injury that could threaten his hopes of featuring at a home World Cup for the United States.
Jaydon Banel, on as a first-half replacement for the stricken Agyemang, broke the deadlock nine minutes into the second half before Carlton Morris finished the job a minute from time. The result moved John Eustace's side to within a point of the play-off places, with Stoke booed off after another dismal performance on the road.
Rams Dominate But Spurn Their Chances
Both teams made a lively start under bright sunshine, but it was the side chasing the play-offs that found their groove first. Morris, Derby's brightest attacking threat before the break, smashed a volley off the post which then bounced to safety, the woodwork denying the hosts an early opener.