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Derby beat West Brom to seal play-off spot

Derby left it late to secure a place in the Sky Bet Championship play-offs with a 3-1 win over West Brom at Pride Park.

Martyn Waghorn put the hosts – who knew that victory would guarantee a top-six finish – ahead in the 19th minute, only for Stefan Johansen to level shortly after half-time.

With Middlesbrough winning, it looked as though Frank Lampard’s side had blown their chance of promotion.

Waghorn calmed the nerves of the home fans after 19 minutes when he headed Jayden Bogle’s fine cross from the right into the bottom corner for his 13th goal of the season.

Ahmed Hegazi then headed a Johansen corner over from six yards out, while Waghorn missed out on a chance to double his tally when he headed Scott Malone’s cross straight at Johnstone.

Mason Mount then saw a vicious 30-yard effort palmed away by Johnstone, Malone’s drive from the corner of the box had to be clawed away and Duane Holmes fired wide as the hosts enjoyed their best spell of the game.

The Rams restored their advantage 20 minutes from time. Nugent’s clever backheel played in Lawrence, and his effort deflected into the path of Bennett to apply the finish.

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