Rams raid punctures chances of play-offs for Baggies

DERBY boosted their hopes of staying in the Championship with a much-needed 3-1 victory over Albion at The Hawthorns.

- By SUNNY BADWAL

Just a third victory away from home all season secured John Eustace's side a vital three points in their quest for safety and results elsewhere mean the Rams stay out of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Five defeats from their last six have punctured Albion's play-offs hopes and cost head coach Tony Mowbray his job and their latest started when they were twice punished from set pieces which were finished by Ebou Adams and Jerry Yates to give Derby a two-goal cushion at the break.

They were made to sweat when Adam Armstrong pulled a goal back with 20 minutes to go but sealed the three points late on when Nathaniel Mendez-Laing came off the bench to score his third goal of the season.