Leicester City edge Derby as James strikes before the break | OneFootball

Leicester City beat Derby 2-1 to rise from 14th to 12th in the Championship, as Jordan James' first half winner proved decisive.

Bobby Decordova-Reid opened the scoring in the sixth minute, turning in Abdul Fatawu's cross from the centre of the box. Rhian Brewster levelled with a low finish after Callum Elder's delivery (9.). James then guided Luke Thomas' breakaway pass into the bottom corner (41.).

After the restart, Jakub Stolarczyk tipped over Patrick Agyemang's rising effort as Derby pushed for a leveller. The Foxes stayed compact, with Ben Nelson and Caleb Okoli clearing their lines under pressure.

An enforced change saw Ricardo Pereira replace the injured Hamza Choudhury soon after half time. The Foxes later introduced teenagers Louis Page and Jeremy Monga, while the Rams turned to Corey Blackett-Taylor and Lars-Jorgen Salvesen to chase the game.

The Foxes registered eight attempts, with two on target. Derby had 55.5% possession and produced nine attempts, but found only two on target.

Next, the Foxes visit Sheffield United. Derby host Middlesbrough.