Frank Lampard’s side dealt crushing blow in bid to reach play-offs at Pride Park

Derby County’s play-off hopes had been dealt a crushing blow as Millwall grabbed a significant 1-Zero win at Delight Park.

It was the Lions’ second win in 18 away Championship matches, shifting them 5 factors above the relegation zone whereas Derby stay two factors outdoors the highest six.

Derby might have few complaints after a desperately flat efficiency regardless of Ashley Cole making his full debut and Millwall totally deserved the victory secured by Jed Wallace’s second-half strike.

Cole’s inclusion was no shock after his efficiency as a second-half substitute within the FA Cup defeat at Brighton however he was certainly one of solely two adjustments whereas Millwall additionally made two from the weekend.

Frank Lampard had been in the identical workforce as Millwall boss Neil Harris at Brentwood College however 12 locations and 20 factors separated them going into the sport, though the guests started confidently with Mahlon Romeo whipping a ball throughout the six-yard field.

Cole confirmed his expertise to get throughout and break up an assault however Millwall had been content material to take a seat in and make it laborious for Derby though Duane Holmes made a powerful run down the best within the 21st minute just for Martyn Waghorn to over-run the ball.

When Millwall conceded a free-kick 25 yards out, Harry Wilson positioned the ball however couldn’t get it over the wall and though Tom Huddlestone tried to modify play with some sweeping passes, Derby had been being pissed off.

Huddlestone’s 25-yard shot was simply over within the 40th minute however neither goalkeeper had been referred to as upon in a poor first half.

Derby had an opportunity 5 minutes into the second when Fikayo Tomori’s ball put Jack Marriott in between Millwall’s central defenders however he misplaced his steadiness and scuffed the shot.

There was a scare for Derby when Wallace skimmed the bar with a cross within the 55th minute however Millwall shocked the house aspect with a breakaway aim within the 72nd.

Shane Ferguson launched Wallace who bumped into the field earlier than driving a low shot underneath Kelle Roos, the primary shot on the right track within the match.

Derby reacted with a double substitution however they wanted a spark on the sector as Millwall continued to play with self-discipline and resilience.

A free-kick within the 86th minute discovered its option to Richard Keogh on the again submit however his ball in was cleared as Millwall’s defence held agency.

Jordan Archer punched away a nook within the first of 4 minutes of added time earlier than he made his first actual save to parry a Tomori header and that was Derby’s final probability as boos rang out on the ultimate whistle.