Derby Keeps Play-off Hopes Alive with Stoke Win

Derby County secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Stoke City, boosting their chances of securing a Sky Bet Championship play-off spot. Jaydon Banel and Carlton Morris scored in the second half to seal the win. The hosts dominated the first half but failed to capitalize on their chances, with Morris striking the post and Ben Brereton Diaz missing a one-on-one opportunity. However, Derby's dominance paid off after the break as Banel scored his first goal for the club since joining on loan from Burnley, and Morris sealed the win with a minute left to play. The defeat marked another away loss for Stoke, who have not won on the road since January 4. The win moved Derby within a point of sixth-placed Wrexham, keeping their play-off dreams alive.