Goals from Jerry Yates and a Mason Holgate own goal ensured Derby County landed a Boxing Day knockout in a 2-1 win over West Brom at Pride Park.

Derby raced out of the blocks early on and nearly took a quick lead when Kane Wilson produced a wonderful cross to pick out Jerry Yates who was denied by Alex Palmer.

That was cue for the atmosphere to grow louder at Pride Park as Marcus Harness saw a goalbound shot blocked by Kyle Bartley. Wilson was giving Albion numerous problems down the right and he had legitimate appeals for a penalty turned away when he was brought down in the box after a fine pass from Goudmijn.

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Albion were struggling to contain Derby as Nat Phillips saw a shot saved by Palmer before Nathaniel Mendez-Laing drilled over the bar. But just as the Rams were building momentum, the visitors offered a reminder of their threat when Darnell Furlong cracked the post from 25 yards.

But with their next attack Derby were ahead when Yates fired his effort across Palmer and in via the post after an excellent spot from Goudmijn. Warne's side were good value for their lead but just before half-time, John Swift cracked the post for the visitors with a free-kick.

After the break, Elder did brilliantly to thwart Fellows before Goudmijn curled just wide from outside of the box. Jacob Widell Zetterstrom then made a terrific save to thwart Alex Mowatt before Derby gave themselves some breathing space when Mason Holgate deflected Kayden Jackson's shot past Palmer.

But Albion set up a tense finale when Tom Fellows crossed to the back post for Grady Diangana to head in and there were some hearts in mouths when Karlon Grant had a great chance but his effort was saved by Zetterstrom as Derby sealed all three points.

Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Didn't have a save to make in the first half but yet watched Darnell Furlong and John Swift crack the woodwork from distance. Made a super save to thwart Alex Mowatt in the second half and then a belter from Grant at the end. 7

Kane Wilson: The full-back continues to be in excellent form and he was giving Albion a real problem in the first half with his direct running and tricks. Swung several excellent crosses into the box. Caused nightmares for Albion. 8

Curtis Nelson: Considering he was playing against one of the most feared marksmen in the division in Josh Maja, he had a very comfortable opening 45 minutes. Albion briefly turned up the heat in the second half, but he was so solid. 7.5

Nat Phillips: The on-loan Liverpool defender slotted into the Eiran Cashin position as the left-sided centre-back but despite being stronger on the opposite foot, he was calm throughout and made it look easy. 7.5

Callum Elder: Like Kane Wilson, the Australian appears to be in a decent vein of form. Was up and down the touchline all night and showed tremendous energy. Superb block to deny Fellows in the second half. 8

Ebou Adams: Made a vital tackle to stop an Albion breakaway in the first half that had to be timed to perfection. Did more of a sitting job than a marauding one. 6.5

Kenzo Goudmijn: Kept picking up little pockets of space in between the lines and he showed great intelligence to spot Uros Racic coming out to meet him that enabled him to find Yates for the goal. 8

Marcus Harness: Tucked into the middle of the park and he got through a lot of selfless work in the heart of midfield. Also saw a goalbound shot blocked in the first half. 6.5

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing: Blazed a shot over the bar in the first half which looked a good chance for the winger. Worked hard for the cause out of possession. 6.5

Kayden Jackson: Dovetailed well with Wilson in the first half and they gave Torbjorn Heggem a real problem at full-back given John Swift wasn't quick to help him out. Played a huge role for the second which gave Derby some breathing space. 7

Jerry Yates: Took his goal superbly. Didn't panic and the only place he could beat Alex Palmer was via the inside of the post. Utterly ruthless when the chance came. Ran himself ragged and could have had a couple of goals. 7

Subs

Craig Forsyth (Jackson 71): Helped keep Albion at bay. 6

Tawanda Chirewa (Mendez-Laing 71): Some neat touches. 6

Sonny Bradley (Elder 84): Slotted in at the back. N/A

Dajaune Brown (Yates 90): Chased some lost causes. N/A

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