Derby boost their playoff hopes with a 1-0 win against strugglers Portsmouth, who suffer a fourth home defeat in a row.
The game’s only goal came when Sam Szmodics netted just 8 minutes in. Derry Murkin sent in a corner which was met by Jacob Brown, who then directed it away from the danger zone, but Szmodics was then in open space to bring the ball down and send it into the bottom corner.
The Rams struck the woodwork twice, Patrick Agyemang saw a shot touch onto the post, then Joe Ward struck a free-kick onto the crossbar after the break.
The result sees Derby end a three-game losing run away from home, moving them within three points of the play-off places.
Despite having 27 shots, and nine of those on target, Pompey couldn’t get on the scoresheet, leaving them just one point above the drop zone, but do have a game in hand on those around them.
Sammie Szmodics with the perfect finish to give Derby a fast start! ⚡ pic.twitter.com/jq800XKKTK
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2026
Portsmouth boss John Mousinho told BBC Radio Solent:
“There is a bit of a sense of deja vu, definitely from the Sheffield United and Hull games [both 1-0 defeats at home].
“I thought we controlled the game and we got into some really good areas. But ultimately, when we look back at it, we were let down by the quality of the final ball and decision-making in the final third.
“When we put balls into the box with quality, we weren’t quite there and then when we did have bodies in the box, we put it into the goalkeeper’s hands or behind for a goal kick.
“Our night was pretty frustrating because I think we have played well for large parts of that game and we have done 90% of the things that we are asking the boys to do really well. We just haven’t added the quality in the final third.”
On the battle against relegation: “There is no need to panic, but at the same time we need to show a sense of urgency.
“Bizarrely, with one point in five games, we are still a point out of the relegation zone with a game in hand, so it’s not terminal, but we do have to find a way to go and win at the weekend.”
FT – @Pompey 0-1 @dcfcofficial – Pompey stay in trouble, The Rams still have hopes of catching @Wrexham_AFC pic.twitter.com/BFtRQfJdgk
— Ian Abrahams (Moose) (@BroadcastMoose) March 16, 2026
Mousinho, speaking to Sky Sports.
“A bit of deja vu with the home performance over the last couple of weeks, the goal was just a good bit of quality.
“The effort levels were there, we got in some really good positions but the quality wasn’t there in the final third.”
On the goal: “We could probably deal with the first ball a bit better, sometimes you have to live with those. The more disappointing part was on our set-plays, we didn’t look as threatening.
“In terms of the personnel, we tried different personnel tonight across the front four and from my perspective it was just about quality – not just the front four but everyone when we got into those areas.”
On his side’s home form: “The most important thing is to not worry about that, we have two away games against QPR and Norwich to focus on, but that’s something we need to address.
“The frustration from my point of view is that we’re not playing these games at home and getting blown away.
“Again, I sound like a broken record but there’s stuff we need to improve on.”
Derby County assistant head coach Matt Gardiner told BBC Radio Derby:
“Hopefully everyone could see that was a real battling performance from the boys. The whole group came together to see us over the line.
“We had to defend the box for our lives, our shape was excellent and we had some really good transition opportunities. On another day, with a bit more quality, we could have scored a few more goals.
“It’s a tough place to come, so to get that early goal gave us something to hang on to. But we tried to be positive and tried to get a second.”
On boss Eustace working remotely from the stands: “We were all mic’d up and John was watching the game and communicating down.
“He had the helicopter view so was able to pass it on, so we were able to navigate it. But it will be good to have him back on Saturday.”
Eustace, speaking to Sky Sports after his side’s 1-0 win:
“It was all about hard work and togetherness, the lads battled really well.
“We started the game really well in tough conditions, it’s always hard to stamp your authority here, there were lots of long balls and pressure to deal with.
“I was really disappointed when we won the ball, we were not good enough on the transition, but to get a 1-0 win here on a Monday night is a real positive.”
On the goal: “Sammie is a top striker at this level, you give him time and space in those areas and I expect him to find the net. He took it really well.”
On his side’s play-off chances: “We take every game as it comes, try to be competitive in each game and see where it takes us.”
Here’s how fans reacted after Derby boost playoff hopes with a win against Portsmouth who suffer a fourth home defeat in a row…
@ODJchef: Genuinely don’t believe we will score again this season. It’s league one attackers vs championship defenders. Explains the lack of goals. I’ve accepted our fate. Just try to enjoy what time we have left In this leagues this is the highest we will reach under the Eisners
@RShee23: Struggling to see what Chaplin actually offers
@dcfcg02: Derby fan in peace, You were unlucky not to come away with something in that second half, We were incredibly poor and we made it very difficult for ourselves. Good luck for the rest of the season, I genuinely hope you stay up!
@Mark0_dcfc: Enjoy the ride Pompey fans, keep getting behind the team. You gave a good account of yourselves tonight but just lacked quality. You made us look pretty poor. Proper club with proper fans. All the best 🐏
@Pompeyboyblues: I can rest easy at night knowing Mr Eisner said we won’t be relegated 👍
@_PompeyArg: Bishop is completely irrelevant. It doesn’t matter whether you include him or not. Out of the club.
@Ram1884_: I actually thought you played well. We were poor, but I think that’s because of the way you set up against us. If you could score goals, you’d be fine. Proper club, proper fans. Hope you stay up. #pompey
@Iain_Macdonald7: PFC destroyed by incompetence starting from the owners down to the management and players. Well least we got to enjoy 1 okay season in the Champ, before we got this abysmal show of a season, League 1 beckons for us I am afraid.
@Joe_Bailey3: Could be playing for another week and we wouldn’t score.. it’s from no lack of effort but we just don’t have any quality at the top end of the pitch. Whether it’s lack of investment in players or just poor recruitment I don’t know 🤷♂️ either way we’re just not good enough #pompey
@n_dcfc41406: Not sure how you lads haven’t scored there, but we gifted you Ebou so it’s only right you gift us 3 points in return 😂! Best of luck for the rest of the season 👍
— Harry (@MrDavishPFC) March 16, 2026
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