The Rams were seeking a third successive home win as they faced the relegated Owls at Pride Park with the top six still in sight for John Eustace’s side
16:55, 07 Mar 2026Updated 11:12, 08 Mar 2026
Derby County’s Ben Brereton Diaz (centre right) celebrates scoring his sides first goal with team mates during the Sky Bet Championship match at Pride Park Stadium, Derby.
Derby County closed the gap on the Championship playoffs to three points as they beat crisis-stricken Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park.
Ben Brereton Diaz had given John Eustace’s side the lead only for ex-Rams striker Jerry Yates to strike soon after.
With Wednesday having already been relegated, Derby had taken the lead when a lovely pass from Rhian Brewster released Ben Brereton Diaz who scampered clean through with Pierce Charles advancing towards him.
But the Chile international kept his composure to slot past him to give Derby the lead in what was his fifth goal of the season.
He could have scored a second moments later when he scooped over the bar from a Brewster cross, before Sam Szmodics’ audaciouls attempt from inside his own half dropped wide of the post.
But as Derby sensed further goals, Wednesday were level when a heavy touch from Dion Sanderson allowed Jamal Lowe possession and his cross was headed in by former Rams striker Jerry Yates.
A header from Brewster cleared the bar as Derby looked to restore their lead but it was Matt Clarke who eventually scored when he glanced home a terrific cross from Joe Ward.
Derby could have extended their lead in the second half when Patrick Agyemang fired wide of the far post before Brereton Diaz was denied by Charles’ leg as they clinched all three points.
Josh Vickers: The goalkeeper was beaten by the pace of Jerry Yates’ header which was from fairly close range. Apart from that didn’t have a lot to apart from routine saves. 6
Joe Ward: Conjured up a wonderful cross for Matt Clarke to score on the stroke of half-time which just punctured Wedensday’s resistance and added to the list of his assists this season. 6
Dion Sanderson: Got into a pickle for the first goal when a heavy touch gave Wednesday a chance to get the ball into the box from which they scored. Not quite up to his usual standard. 6
Matt Clarke: Scored just before half-time which proved to come at a good time given Wednesday had looked to be heading into the break with something to hold on to. Superb and clear winner. 8
Derry Murkin: Continues to do well at left-back in the absence of Callum Elder and his use of the ball is certainly impressive. Can improve some of his defensive awareness, but did well. 7
Lewis Travis: Better in the second half than he was in the first. After his mistake last week, you can see that the fans are putting him under more scrutiny than most. 6
Bobby Clark: There were some bright moments from the on-loan RB Salzburg midfielder who was full of energy and was always trying to look for openings. 6
Ben Brereton Diaz: Scored his fifth goal of the season and took it really well with a confident finish past Charles. Could have scored another too just moments later. 7
Sam Szmodics: Played as the number 10 and tried an audacious effort from inside his own half that would have seriously troubled Charles had it been on target. Did okay. 6
Rhian Brewster: Played a really cute pass to set-up Brereton Diaz for the opener and looked good when he drifted inside from his wide position. Was subbed in the second half. 6
Patrick Agyemang: Gave the Wednesday centre-backs all kinds of problems when he had them in a footrace. Put his body on the line when needed and was a nuisance. 6
Subs
David Ozoh (Brewster 63): Was solid when he came on. 5
Jaydon Banel (Agyemang 75): A couple of neat touches. 5
Carlton Morris (Szmodics 75): Put himself about. 5
Oscar Fraulo (Clark 90): Not enough time to make an impression. N/A