Derby boosted their play-off hopes by dealing a big blow to Birmingham's own chances with a 1-0 win at Pride Park.

Birmingham went into the game knowing time was running out to try and get in the top six but they were second best throughout to a Derby side who thoroughly deserved a fourth successive home win.

The game was decided towards the end of the first half when Birmingham keeper James Beadle misjudged a Rhian Brewster header although Derby could have won by a bigger margin.

Birmingham were very poor and never looked like equalising let alone winning against a lively and inventive team managed by John Eustace who they sacked in October 2023.

Derby's bright start matched the early spring sunshine and after Birmingham gave the ball away, Brewster fired narrowly wide from just outside the area.

Birmingham were being pressed into mistakes and Patrick Agyemang got in front of Christoph Klarer in the 10th minute but could not lift the ball over Beadle.

All the pressure was coming from the home side in a game Birmingham needed to win and it was no surprise when they went ahead in the 43rd minute.

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