Happy 50th for Eustace as Rams rally after leveller

JOHN Eustace celebrated his 50th League game in charge of Derby County with a win over Sheffield Wednesday and was pleased to avoid a slip against the crisis-stricken Owls.

- By LEIGH CURTIS

Derby claimed a 2-1 victory at Pride Park Stadium, their third successive home win, and are three points away from the Championship playoff positions.

Ben Brereton Diaz gave the hosts the lead before Jerry Yates, on loan with the Owls after a temporary spell with the Rams last season, equalised with a near-post header.

But Matt Clarke put the Rams back in front before the break when he headed in Joe Ward's cross and the home side wasted chances to increase their lead in the second half.

"It was always going to be a very difficult game," said Rams head coach Eustace.

"Sheffield Wednesday are playing with a lot of freedom, they've got nothing to lose, and it was going to be a really tough game for us.

"But I was delighted to come through with the three points.

"Complacency in these games is always the danger, 100 per cent.