Jerome gives Rams first-leg advantage

In-form Cameron Jerome gave Derby a priceless playoff advantage in the race to reach the Premier League.

The striker scored his fifth goal in four games to claim a narrow victory for the Rams in last night’s Sky Bet Championship semi-final play-off first leg at Pride Park.

Fulham hit the bar through Kevin Mcdonald and dominated the second half but they must recover on Monday to avoid more play-off heartbreak.

Ryan Sessegnon and Floyd Ayite were off target for Fulham in an opening half an hour which was low on chances and quality.

But Pride Park exploded into life after 34 minutes. A smart Derby move found Craig Forsyth on the left and his glorious deep cross was met by the onrushing Jerome to power a header past Marcus Bettinelli at the far post.

Derby were forced back in the second half but Fulham’s Tom Cairney curled wide with four minutes left and the Cottagers now need to break stubborn Derby down in London.