The Rams were defeated on the final day of the season in a campaign that has finished in relegation despite an admirable fight throughout.

Story of the match 
 

Midfielder Eli King cleverly pulled the ball back to the Jordan Hugill to tap into an open net and register his fourth goal of the campaign.

Wayne Rooney’s men spurned numerous chances in the game and were left frustrated by the Bluebirds in their final game in the Championship.

The fierce opening to the game on the pitch was overshadowed by the deafening noise from the home fans, who were in full party atmosphere for their final game in the Championship.

Eiran Cashin thought he had put his side ahead midway through the first half, but his thunderous header from a corner cannoned against the bar.

Derby grew in confidence and began to dictate the tempo of the game; Liam Thompson was next to test his luck against Dillon Phillips with a simmering shot but the Cardiff goalkeeper got down well to his right to turn it behind.

Moments later captain Tom Lawrence produced a venomous strike from outside the area that was superbly tipped over by Phillips.

Steve Morison’s men were lucky to be going into the break on level terms after Louie Sibley crashed a point-blank effort off the post on the stroke of half-time.

Cardiff found themselves ahead against the run of play ten minutes into the second half through Hugill, who tapped into an open net following neat play from King.

The Rams were looking for an instant response, Luke Plange’s inviting cross into the box found an unmarked Craig Forsyth, but the fullback sliced his shot into the hands of Phillips.

Morrison’s men thwarted the hosts as the game fizzled out, Derby could only manage a few half chances from distance in the dying embers.

Both clubs’ players and staff stayed behind after the full-time whistle to part in an emotional lap of appreciation for the supporters.

The Rams bowed out of the second tier with only their fifth home loss of the season, whilst Cardiff produced an inspiring performance that will leave fans hopeful for next season.