Bristol City 2-3 Derby County

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Johnny RussellImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Johnny Russell scored the opening goal of the game

Tom Ince scored the winner as Derby came from behind to secure a place in the Championship play-offs by beating lowly Bristol City.

Johnny Russell's header gave the visitors a lead which lasted barely a minute as Jonathan Kodjia levelled.

Bobby Reid scored from distance as City led at half-time, but Derby struck back shortly after the break.

Craig Bryson levelled from 12 yards before Ince put his team ahead with a left-footed shot across goal.

It is the first time Derby have won four successive league games since April 2014 and victory, combined with Cardiff City's defeat at Brentford, ensures they will finish the season inside the top six.

Media caption,

Darren Wassall on Derby County's win at Bristol City

With three games remaining, Derby are level on points with fourth-placed Hull, who enjoyed a late victory over Reading and have a game in hand.

Bristol City showed commitment throughout the match but it was an error-strewn performance.

The defeat, plus MK Dons' draw at Sheffield Wednesday, means City still need a point to guarantee Championship survival.

Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson:

"I'm disappointed with the result and angry at the performance. We were naive tonight and didn't communicate as well as we needed to.

"The players gave everything and the problem was our quality, not our attitude.

"You can't make as many mistakes in succession as we did against a good side. That's me being honest."

Derby head coach Darren Wassall:

"That's four wins on the trot, the first time we have done that for two years.

"Now we want to extend that run right through to the play-offs because it's important we go into the semi-finals in the best possible form.

"It was the ideal result for us after trailing 2-1 at half time. We knew it would be tough because Bristol City have been in good form at home recently.

"I'm delighted with the way the players responded in the second half. In the end we could have had more goals."

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