West Ham United failed to capitalise on Southampton's defeat to Bristol City last night as they went down to two early goals at Derby County.
Callum Ball and Paul Green's goals in the opening ten minutes were enough to give Nigel Clough and Derby their third consecutive victory at Pride Park.
They were ahead in the second minute when teenage forward Ball rifled home from the edge of the area before Green sent a diving header past Robert Green to double the lead.
Frank Nouble pulled a goal back for the Hammers three minutes before the break by lashing home from inside the area.
The visitors came out for the second half and looked menacing in the second 45 but were unable to find a way to equalise.
Sam Allardyce's men remain three points adrift of Southampton while Derby move up three places to 11th.
Pascal Lemesre
