Derby overcame local rivals Leicester 1-0 to boost their chances of Championship survival.
King own goal seals victory for Derby
Derby overcame local rivals Leicester 1-0 to boost their chances of Championship survival.
Leicester had been hoping to tighten their grip on a play-off place but they fell behind after 19 minutes thanks to Andy King's unfortunate own goal.
And Derby held on to move nine points clear of the relegation zone with just six games of the season remaining.
Surprise breakthrough
There were few chances in the first half and the goal, when it arrived, came as something of a surprise.
Steve Davies' attempted one-two with striker partner Chris Porter on the edge of the box was read by Foxes midfielder King, who played a routine back-pass to his goalkeeper Chris Weale.
However, as Weale tried to control the ball it rolled over his foot and into the unguarded net.
Leicester's only response in the opening 45 minutes came just before the break when County keeper Stephen Bywater tipped a 20-yard shot from Richie Wellens around a post.
Derby flew out of the blocks in the second half with Michael Tonge going close with a shot from the edge of the box before Porter threatened on three occasions from a similar distance.
Foxes boss Nigel Pearson responded by bringing on Paul Gallacher and former Ram Steve Howard just after the hour mark, with Yann Kermorgant and Martyn Waghorn the players to make way.
Headway
Wellens had two efforts in quick succession midway through the second half, missing the target with the first but working Bywater the second time.
Sensing his side were making some headway, Pearson made his final substitution with 15 minutes remaining taking off midfielder Matt Oakley and introducing forward Dany N'Guessan.
And the former Lincoln youngster almost made an immediate impact but headed Gallacher's far-post cross over the bar.
Gallacher was the instigator once more when Michael Morrison had Leicester's final chance to rescue a point but the defender's effort was saved by Bywater late on.
