Derby County climbed into the play-off spots of the Championship by defeating Swansea City, managed by Vítor Matos, 2-0, with goals from Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang in the second half. With this victory, their fourth in the last six matches, John Eustace's team moved up five positions in the table, now occupying sixth place. This was only Derby's second win in the last nine home league games. Although the Portuguese coach's team dominated the first half, they failed to convert their superiority into goals. The Welsh side had good opportunities, including a shot from Eom Jisung that went over the bar and a free kick from Liam Cullen that went wide of the post. The only save of the first half belonged to Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux, who denied Joe Ward's free kick. Upon resuming, Derby County came out stronger and opened the scoring early in the second half: following a corner taken by Callum Elder, former Swansea player Rhian Brewster capitalized on a rebound to make it 1-0. The second goal came in a similar fashion, again after a corner from Elder. This time, Patrick Agyemang rose highest to head the ball into the net, marking his tenth goal of the season and sealing the final score. Swansea attempted to respond, and substitute Gustavo Nunes forced goalkeeper Vickers into a sharp save, but it was not enough to avoid defeat. With this result, Vítor Matos' team suffered only their second loss in six matches and currently sits in 16th place, six points off the play-off spots and ten points clear of the relegation zone. Portuguese midfielder Gonçalo Franco started the match but was substituted in the 77th minute.
Derby County Swansea City remains central to this story.
Derby County Swansea City remains central to this story.
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