Derby County's winless run extended to three matches with a 2-1 home defeat to Birmingham City. A quickfire response from the visitors after Bobby Clark's opener and a second-half winner from Paik Seung-Ho condemned the Rams to another loss.
Clark gave Derby the lead five minutes before half-time, finishing from close range after a Sammie Szmodics assist. The advantage lasted just two minutes, however, as Carlos Vicente levelled for Birmingham, set up by Liam Millar. Millar was the provider again in the 63rd minute, his pass finding Paik Seung-Ho who fired past J. Widell Zetterström for the decisive goal.
Eustace's reaction
Manager John Eustace acknowledged his side's struggle to convert possession into clear chances. "We had the ball but didn't create enough with it," he said. "Conceding so quickly after we scored is something we have to cut out."
Derby dominated the ball with 59% possession and won ten corners to Birmingham's four. But they managed only four shots on target from 18 attempts, while Birmingham tested Zetterström nine times. The goalkeeper made six saves, including a key stop to deny Jay Stansfield in the first half.
The result leaves Derby County 22nd in the Championship, having taken just four points from their opening six matches. Their goal difference stands at minus six, having scored five and conceded eleven. They are now ten points adrift of early leaders West Ham.
Injury problems continue to hamper selection, with Carlton Morris, Craig Forsyth, Derry Murkin, Matt Clarke and Rhian Brewster all currently sidelined.
Mohammed Fuseini received a yellow card in the 19th minute for dissent, one of eight fouls committed by the hosts. Birmingham were more physical, committing twelve fouls and picking up three bookings.
Eustace made four changes during the game, introducing Oscar Fraulo, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Ryan Hedges and Lars-Jørgen Salvesen in search of an equaliser. The Rams now face a key trip to face 23rd-placed Burnley on Saturday, 19 September.
