Derby County secured a hard-fought three points in a 2-1 victory against Blackburn Rovers in the Sky Bet Championship at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

John Eustace’s side came out of the traps quickly to take the lead with Craig Forsyth and Ebou Adams both converting from close range to give them a two-goal cushion early in the first half.

Makhtar Gueye pulled a goal back for Rovers just before the break but, after a battling second period, Derby held on to secure maximum points for the first time under new Head Coach Eustace.

Key Moments

Forsyth opened the scoring inside 120 seconds when he steered the ball in after he met Nat Phillips’ header back across the box with a half-volley at the back post.

The Rams’ lead was doubled four minutes later when Adams was in the right place at the right time to convert after Marcus Harness’ cross caused a scramble in front of goal with Jerry Yates' shot blocked into his path.

Blackburn's first opportunity came in the 16th minute when the ball dropped to Dominic Hyam on the edge of the box, but the defender could only direct the ball over the crossbar.

Hayden Carter forced a stop from Jacob Widell Zetterström in the 24th minute. The Swedish shot-stopper dived and caught the ball well after Carter had steered a free-kick towards goal.

Zetterström was called into action again as he excellently denied Yuki Ohashi by getting down low to block the shot from close range after the attacker was played into a one-on-one scenario by a pinpoint through-ball.

Yates looked certain to be in with a chance after Adams won the ball back from a counter-press inside the Blackburn penalty area. Yates couldn’t shoot but forced the ball into the path of Adams to strike, but goalkeeper Aynsley Pears scrambled well to win back possession of the ball.

Gueye reduced the Rams’ lead when he struck a powerful effort from inside the penalty area to score after Tyrhys Dolan fed a low cross into the box.

Derby again started the second half brightly with both Harness and Kane Wilson trying to fashion an opening down the flanks.

The Rams’ first change of the match came in the 58th minute as Matt Clarke replaced Sondre Langås, who departed with a knock, and Clarke was quickly involved as he headed over the bar from Harrison Armstrong’s corner delivery.

Kane Wilson looked to cause the visitors issues as he beat his man down the right flank and delivered balls into the box for the Rams as they looked to threaten, but Rovers’ defence held them at bay.

Kayden Jackson was John Eustace’s second substitute of the afternoon, as Harness departed the field with the Rams with a goal advantage.

Yates had the chance to convert at the back post in the 84th minute, but he couldn’t find his footing to divert the ball towards goal after Wilson’s long throw gave Armstrong a shooting chance that deflected into the striker’s path.

Derby had to defend deep into added time, with seven added on, but they held firm to secure their first league victory since Boxing Day.

Team News

Derby County: Zetterström (GK), Wilson, Phillips, Langås (Clarke 59), Forsyth, Elder, Armstrong (Goudmijn 86), Thompson, Adams (C), Harness (Jackson 73), Yates.

Substitutes Not Used: Vickers (GK), Rooney, Barkhuizen, Eames, Agbawodikeizu, Wheeldon.

Blackburn Rovers: Pears (GK), Ribeiro, Hyam, Tronstad (Cozier-Duberry 82), Gueye, Dolan (Woodrow 64), Carter, Ohashi (Cantwell 64), Travis (C), Brittain, Kargbo (Sanderson 16).

Substitutes Not Used: Tóth (GK), Rankin-Costello, Forshaw, Atcheson, Powell.

Referee: Andrew Kitchen

Assistant Referees: Shaun Hudson, Blake Antrobus

Fourth Official: Josh Smith

Attendance

29,753 (3,109 Blackburn Rovers supporters)

What’s Next?

The Rams have a quick turnaround in the Sky Bet Championship, with the visit of Coventry City at Pride Park Stadium on Tuesday 11th March (7:45pm kick-off).