Derby County have registered a narrow 2-1 away victory over Barnsley to move up to second in the Championship.

Chris Martin put the Rams ahead at Oakwell after just eight minutes when he shot home from the centre of the box to the top right corner.

Johnny Russell came close for Derby five minutes later with a long-range effort, before Jacob Mellis and Jim O'Brien tried to equalise for Barnsley in quick succession.

The hosts began to create chances as the first half progressed, with Peter Ramage, Stephen Dawson, Martin Cranie and Patrick McCourt all coming close before the half-hour mark.

Derby could have doubled their lead two minutes before half time when Simon Dawkins shot on goal from more than 40 yards, but Barnsley goalkeeper Luke Steele was alert to his attempt and made the save.

However, Steele was unable to do anything four minutes into the second half when the visitors scored their second goal of the afternoon. Andre Wisdom whipped in a cross and Martin headed home from close range to make it 2-0.

Tomasz Cywka fired in from distance just past the hour mark for Barnsley, but Derby held on for the remainder of the contest for the three points.