Szmodics strike keeps Derby in play-off hunt
Derby County moved to within three points of the play-off places in the Championship as Sam Szmodics' eighth-minute strike earned the Rams a 1-0 win against Portsmouth.
After a run of three away league matches without a victory, Derby boosted its top-six hopes at Fratton Park, while Portsmouth remains just a point above the relegation zone.
The visitor took the lead early on when Derry John Murkin's corner was only cleared as far as Szmodics, who took a touch before fiercely placing the ball past Nicolas Schmid.
Ben Brereton then forced Schmid into a smart stop at his near post before Millenic Alli's cross-shot saw Richard O'Donnell called into action for the first time at the other end.
Derby almost went in at the break two goals to the good, but Patrick Agyemang's effort from a tight angle was tipped onto the post as Gustavo Caballero's saved attempt brought an end to a thrilling conclusion to the first period.
John Eustace's side was once again denied by the woodwork in the 59th minute when Joe Ward's curling free-kick thundered against the crossbar, with Alli's driven half-volley then thwarted by O'Donnell.
Bobby Clark's weaving run was almost rewarded late on, but he could only find the side-netting as Conor Shaughnessy's header was comfortably gathered to see Derby hang on to three valuable points.
