Derby County 2 Leeds United 1: Leeds draw no comfort from the return of Johnson as Derby win delivers blow to play-off hopes

Two goals in three second-half minutes by Derby County duo Jamie Ward and Ben Davies were enough to condemn Leeds to a fourth loss in five away games.

More importantly in terms of the race for the play-offs, the defeats offered major hope to the chasing pack in the race for the play-offs that sixth place really is up for grabs.

Certainly, if United don’t buck their ideas up over the remaining five games then it is difficult to see anything but Simon Grayson’s side finishing the season outside the top six.

With Nottingham Forest beating Burnley, Leeds’s advantage over seventh place stands at just one point – meaning the forthcoming double-header against Watford and Reading has taken on a huge significance.

In front of former Leeds midfielder Seth Johnson, who had been invited back to Pride Park to conduct the half-time draw and given dog’s abuse by the travelling fans over his one-time £38,000 per week Elland Road wages, United last night made a very ordinary Derby outfit look like one of the Championship’s leading lights.

Leeds did stage a late rally that almost brought an equaliser but, in truth, being pegged back would have been tough on Nigel Clough’s men, who thanks to the goals from Ward and Davies completed the double over their Yorkshire rivals.

The game sparked into life around the hour mark with three goals in five minutes.

Max Gradel started the flurry of scoring action with a stunning 20-yard strike that gave Brad Jones no chance in the home goal.

The Ivorian’s 58th minute effort was the 17th time he has found the net this season but any hopes it would be the prelude to Leeds closing out the game were soon dashed by a quick-fire double from the Rams.

First, Stephen Pearson showed a tremendous turn of pace to race past Paul Connolly and cross for Ward to convert.

Then, as Leeds’s inability to mark adequately from set-pieces returned with a vengeance, a floated corner from Pearson was struck so sweetly by Davies on the volley that there was no doubt where the ball was heading from the moment it left his foot.

With Derby in the ascendancy, Leeds had Kasper Schmeichel to thank for turning away a dipping effort from Steven Davies and Ward for firing into the side-netting.

Davies then looked to be clattered to the ground inside the area by Erick Lichaj only for Graham Salisbury to wave play on.

Leeds did stage a late rally with Davide Somma shooting narrowly wide and Jonny Howson firing over from long-range.

Gradel also brought a save from Jones with a dipping free-kick before the Rams goalkeeper did the same to a Somma header.

But, in truth, Derby were full value for a three points that all but guarantees their safety while casting further doubt on Leeds’ ability to last the pace.

Such a dramatic second 45 minutes had been in total contrast to a largely uninspiring first half which had seen United dominate possession but Derby come closest to breaking the deadlock.

It meant that, as Johnson came on to cries of ‘what a waste of money’ from the away end to conduct the half-time draw, the result was firmly in the balance.

Derby County: Jones; Brayford, Barker, Ayala, Roberts; B Davies, Savage, Bailey, Pearson (Robinson 75); Ward (Porter 86), S Davies (Addison 89). Unused substitutes:Bueno, Atkins, Anderson, Leacock.

Leeds United: Schmeichel; Connolly, O’Brien, Bromby, Lichaj; Livermore (Johnson 63), Kilkenny; Bannan (McCormack 72), Howson, Gradel; Becchio (Somma 63). Unused substitutes: Bruce, Naylor, Sam, Higgs.

Referee: G Salisbury (Lancashire).