Match Reports

Derby County 2-1 Albion

A photo of Grady Diangana in the pink 2024/25 away kit

Albion suffered a 2-1 Sky Bet Championship defeat to Derby at Pride Park on Boxing Day.

Goals by Jerry Yates and Kayden Jackson secured County all three points, despite the visitors twice striking the post and Grady Diangana’s consolation.

The Baggies are next in action this Sunday lunchtime, facing Sheffield United away.

Albion in action.

Both teams had early chances as Tom Fellows fired wide, while Alex Palmer denied Yates’ poke and a Nat Phillips volley.

Albion went close to an opener midway through the period via Darnell Furlong’s low drive, which hit the woodwork.

But, soon after, the Rams edged ahead. Forward Yates wriggled free inside the area and converted well for a one-goal advantage around the half-hour mark.

Palmer was then there to superbly tip over another Yates flick before Albion smacked the post again on the verge of half-time, this time through John Swift’s free-kick.

Albion in action.

The Baggies’ interim coaching team replaced Uros Racic with Jayson Molumby at the interval, and they quickly threatened when Fellows, superbly set up by Mikey Johnston, saw a side-footed finish bravely blocked.

They further threatened Derby as Johnston had a shot blocked and Alex Mowatt was denied from the rebound. Darnell Furlong also curled a good opening narrowly off-target.

However, against the run of play, County doubled their advantage - Jackson’s attempt deflecting past Palmer and giving Albion a mountain to climb.

Still, the Baggies continued applying pressure and did find a way back into it, substitute Diangana heading home a perfect Fellows cross.

Albion made a late surge in an attempt to find an equaliser. Karlan Grant's stoppage time effort was saved and a free kick caused chaos - only for the away side to be eventually thwarted, leaving Derby with the spoils.

Albion: Palmer; Furlong, Holgate (Styles 75), Bartley, Heggem; Fellows, Racic (Molumby 46), Mowatt, Johnston (Grant 69); Swift (Diangana 69), Maja.

Substitutes: Wildsmith, Frabotta, Diakite, Wallace, Cole.