Derby County moved into the automatic promotion places following an impressive 2-1 win at Ipswich Town.

A Sam Winnall double ensured the points returned to the East Midlands, pushing the Rams into the top-two following defeats for Cardiff City and Bristol City.

Manager Gary Rowett enjoyed an almost perfect December, guiding his impressive side to five wins from six games, with Ipswich’s second-half consolation goal the first strike conceded by the stingy Rams defence since November.

Derby take on sixth-place Sheffield United on New Years Day, hoping to close the gap on league leaders Wolves who face a tricky tie at home to Brentford, who have won their last three on the bounce.

Nuno Santo’s side lie ten points clear of their rivals from the opposite side of the Midlands, but Rowett will hope to claw back the divide over the coming weeks.

Heading into the new year on course for promotion to the Premier League, ecstatic Rams fans took to Twitter to declare their delight at the result…

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