Derby 2-0 Barnsley

Barnsley were the latest visitors to Pride Park and have proven to be a thorn in Derby's side in recent years.

Without a victory in the last eight meetings, the Rams were determined to get three points from the Yorkshire side after a few years falling short.

Despite Jake Buxton being available following a one game ban, Nigel Clough decided to stick with the side that beat Blackpool on Saturday.

Barnsley included former Ram Tomasz Cywka in their starting eleven.

The first half was uneventful. Not many clear cut chances were created by either side.

An early move saw Coutts cross, but Robinson failing to meet it.

For the visitors Dagnall shot wide and Mellis hit a volley well over the bar.

Towards the end of the half Hughes and Hendrick both saw efforts comfortably stopped by Luke Steele.

The stalemate looked like continuing until 69th minute. Then, a Hughes free kick was met by the head of Keogh whose touch came of the post for O'Connor to prod home.

The introduction of Nathan Tyson in the 84th minute proved to be an inspired substitution as yet again he showed his effectiveness as an impact player. Almost immediately he was causing problems in the Barnsley defence. Seconds after coming on, he hit an effort over from a tight angle.

It was duty injury time that Tyson scored his fourth goal of the season. A pass from Bryson found him on the edge of the box and then with time to spare, Tyson hit a rocket of a shot into the top of the net to make it 2-0 and game over.

Not the most exciting game you are likely to see, but an important three points that sees Derby just one point from the play-off zone. A tricky looking visit to Millwall on Saturday now awaits.

Derby - Legzdins, Brayford, Keogh, O'Connor, Roberts, Coutts (Freeman 90), Bryson, Hendrick, Hughes, Robinson (Jacobs 75), Sammon (Tyson 84). Subs not used - Deeney, Buxton, Davies, O'Brien.

Barnsley - Steele, Wiseman, McNulty, Kennedy, Golbourne, Cranie, Cywka (Done 72), Dawson, Mellis (O'Brien 79), Etuhu (Harewood 79), Dagnall. Subs not used - Alnwick, Hassell, Foster, Silva.

Man of the Match - Richard Keogh, Captains performance.

Attendance 20,808 (404 away fans).