Decisive figure lifts Derby with set-piece header | OneFootball

Matthew Clarke decided it in the 45th minute with a glancing header from a corner, as Derby County beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-1.

The defender attacked Joe Ward's delivery, arriving between markers to steer his finish inside the far post. It was a classic centre-back's run, timed to perfection from a second phase corner.

After the restart he met another Ward cross, nodding just over (64.). From there he marshalled Derby's back line, clearing danger repeatedly as the Owls pushed late on.

He finished with 10 clearances and six interceptions, plus four aerial duels won, underlining how he controlled the box when Derby had to defend their lead.

Because Derby's dead ball delivery was consistent through Ward, Clarke's timing and aggression gave the Rams a constant edge at set pieces, while his positioning kept the visitors' second balls to a minimum.

Derby rise from eighth to seventh and visit Millwall next. The Owls host Watford next.