Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale let the midfielder's back-pass slip under his foot early on, and that goal was ultimately enough to wrap up the points for Derby in a lively East Midlands derby at Pride Park.

Derby started with the same side that played the majority of the second half at Queens Park Rangers in midweek with Steven Davies in for Gilles Sunu and partnering Chris Porter in attack while Dean Leacock came in for Nicky Hunt at right-back to make his first start in 2010 after a knee injury.

New signing Tomasz Cywka was named on the bench after joining from Wigan Athletic on Thursday.

Both sides were desperate to stamp their authority on the game early on, but the opening exchanges were relatively even.

With neither side able to create any clear-cut opening it took a complete howler from Leicester goalkeeper Chris Weale to hand Derby the lead after 20 minutes.

A backpass from midfielder Andy King seemed harmless enough, but under pressure from Paul Green Weale let the ball slide under his foot and he could only look on in horror as the ball trickled beyond him and into the back of the net for a comedy goal.

Derby could have extended their lead with a couple of half chances afterwards, with the game sparked into life somewhat by the goal.

Leicester chased a response to keep their promotion aspirations on track and Stephen Bywater in the Derby goal foiled them twice, turning away shots from Andy King and Richie Wellens with the stop in particular from Wellens a superb one by flinging himself full length to his left to turn away the midfielder's long-range drive.

Like in the first period, changes were at the premium at the start of the second half with Tonge hitting the side netting from a tight angle with a powerful drive.

With two goals in his last two Pride Park appearances Chris Porter tried his luck with a curling effort from inside the box on the hour but his shot was just off target and a minute later he had another opportunity but he couldn't keep his shot down.

Porter was joined by Rob Hulse up front just after the hour as the Rams' leading goalscorer replaced Davies and Derby continued to enjoy a spell of pressure without testing Weale.

As the final fifteen minutes approached the visitors - with former Ram Steve Howard now on the pitch - cranked up the pressure.

That said, Bywater had little to contend shot-stopping wise but when he did have to deal with balls into the box he did so at his commanding best.

Bywater did have a save to make with eight minutes left, but from a corner Morrison prodded straight at the Derby goalkeeper from close range. It was a golden chance for Leicester, and one that really did go begging.

Straight down the other end Hulse had a chance to wrap the points up for Derby but his looping header from Pearson's cross was just off target and Leicester breathed a sigh of relief.

Four minutes of added time were signalled which meant a few nervous moments around the stadium, but Derby held on to grind out a much needed victory.