Tyreece John-Jules opened his Derby account as the Rams secured their first away league win for almost two months with a 1-0 victory at Port Vale.
The Arsenal loanee came off the bench to score the only goal of the game as Paul Warne’s side cut the gap on the automatic promotion places.
Vale keeper Connor Ripley produced a string of fine saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Before the break he kept out Kane Wilson and Irish international James Collins twice.
But his best saves came after the interval as he flung himself back across goal to keep out Tyrese Fornah’s deflected effort after being mis-footed.
And moments later he unleashed a full-stretch dive to stop Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s low drive.
But despite all his hard work, he was ultimately beaten by John-Jules who poked home the winner with his first touch with 13 minutes to go.
