Queens Park Rangers have edged out the challenge of Derby County to inflict a first defeat on manager Steve McClaren in a 2-1 victory over the Rams at Loftus Road.
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Harry Redknapp's men took a 11th-minute lead through Jermaine Jenas, only for Tottenham Hotspur loanee Simon Dawkins to nullify the advantage 12 minutes later.
The hosts forced the issue in the second half and were shortly rewarded, as defender Jake Buxton appeared to direct an Alejandro Faurlin cross into his own goal.
McClaren, who worked as a first-team coach with the R's prior to accepting the job at Pride Park, watched on as his side struggled to assert themselves in the early stages on his return to Loftus Road.
It would not be long before the Rs saw their dominance rewarded, with goalkeeper Lee Grant denying Charlie Austin, before Jenas snuck in and tapped the rebound into an empty net.
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Moments later it could, and perhaps should have been two. Austin was played in by Matty Phillips, only for the in-form hitman to blaze over the bar.
It would prove a costly miss, as the Rams soon drew level through Tottenham Hotspur loanee Simon Dawkins, who spun his marker before firing past Robert Green to earn his first goal for the club.
Redknapp watched on as his side re-established their lead midway through the second half, as Faurlin's free kick was whipped into the area, only for Buxton to head past his own goalkeeper.
The 28-year-old would soon make amends, though, denying Austin from establishing a two-goal margin by producing a last-gasp interception to deny the striker.
Redknapp owes his gratitude to Green, who denied Jamie Ward from equalising in the dying stages.
However, the Londoners held on to register their first victory in three attempts and keep within touching distance of the peloton in the race for automatic promotion.
Shane Callaghan
