Martin Albrechtsen and Emanuel Villa both found the back of the net as Derby stunned QPR.
Albrechtsen and Villa net in Derby success
Martin Albrechtsen and Emanuel Villa both found the back of the net as Derby County emerged from their trip to QPR with a surprise 2-0 success.
Albrechtsen scored his second of the season with a fine left-footed finish on 11 minutes, but they had to wait until late on for Villa to wrap up Derby's first Championship away win this season.
Iain Dowie's side were in confident mood at Loftus Road following their midweek win over Aston Villa, although Derby's defence held out for a priceless success.
The Rams almost went in front after 11 minutes when on-loan Arsenal midfielder Nacer Barazite put in a dangerous cross which was deflected wide for a corner.
QPR got in behind the visitors' defence after 15 minutes and only a brave save from Roy Carroll prevented Dexter Blackstock from opening the scoring.
Best chance
Stephen Pearson then had Derby's best chance just before the half-hour mark but Radek Cerny produced an agile stop to turn the Scotland midfielder's drive past the post.
And five minutes later it took a last-ditch challenge from Damion Stewart to prevent Rob Hulse from bearing down on goal.
Dowie clearly had some harsh words to say at half-time, as his side dominated the opening exchanges after the break.
Emmanuel Ledesma was the driving force and his deflected strike looked to have opened the scoring but the ball came back off the post.
Derby responded and Cerny's clearance went straight to Hulse but Stewart once again intervened with a timely saving challenge.
Rangers introduced winger Lee Cook to try to unlock a resolute Derby defence.
Another opportunity
But it was Derby who had another opportunity to edge in front when the ball fell to Holland under-21 star Barazite, but he rifled a shot wastefully over the bar.
Rams' academy graduate Miles Addison produced another combative midfield display and was almost rewarded with a goal but his long-range drive clipped the top of the bar.
Jewell made his first substitution 15 minutes from time, with Ellington replaced by Argentinian striker Villa. And Dowie followed suit by replacing Ledesma with former Preston striker Patrick Agyemang.
But Derby took the lead 11 minutes from time when the ball dropped into the path of Albrechtsen, who rifled home a clinical left-foot finish to stun the home supporters.
And Villa made sure of that elusive away win for the Rams when he headed home Steven Davies' inviting cross with three minutes remaining.
