Defiant Derby fightback denies Fulham promotion party and keeps hope alive

Fulham’s bid for an immediate return to the Premier League was put on hold again after they suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at relegation-battling Derby.

The visitors would have sealed promotion with victory and the Championship leaders were on track to do just that when Fabio Carvalho put them ahead in the 20th minute.

But Derby hit back and, inspired by teenager Luke Plange, claimed a victory which was much-needed after fellow strugglers Peterborough and Reading won earlier in the day.

Plange drew the teams level in the 51st minute and the forward, loaned back by Crystal Palace after they signed him in January, then pressured Tosin Adarabioyo into a 73rd-minute own goal as they competed for Tom Lawrence’s cross.

The result leaves Derby nine points behind fourth-bottom Reading and safety with four games to play. Fulham, meanwhile, must wait for their next chance to claim a third promotion to the Premier League in five seasons.