Promotion-chasing Derby extended their unbeaten run to six games with a 2-1 win at Ipswich.
Sam Winnall scored in the 13th and 49th minutes to secure the points, the latter a superb long-range strike.
The home side replied through Joe Garner's header but could not slow Derby's impressive run of form.
Derby took the lead when Tom Lawrence's corner found the head of Winnall, whose glancing header beat Ipswich goalkeeper Bartosz Bialkowksi by his right-hand post.
A minute later a mix-up between Town defenders Luke Chambers and Adam Webster let in Matej Vydra but with just the keeper to beat, the striker blazed his shot over the bar.
Vydra's 19th-minute snap-shot stung the hands of the Ipswich keeper and seven minutes later, a shot from George Thorne from outside the penalty area just sailed over the bar following good build-up play between Lawrence and Vydra.
Ipswich threatened in the 30th minute when Martyn Waghorn swung in a corner and Callum Connolly's header was cleared off the line by Lawrence.
Six minutes later a crossfield pass from Johnny Russell found Vydra clear in the penalty area but at full stretch, he could only send a left-footed effort wide.
Jordan Spence cleared Russell's goalbound shot off the line and Ipswich could have equalised in the 40th minute. Bersant Celina bought the Town fans to their feet when he picked up the ball in his own half and made a mazy run towards goal but his shot from just outside the area went narrowly wide.
Four minutes into the second half Derby extended their lead when Winnall produced a stunning shot from 30 yards out into the top right corner of Bialkowski's goal.
Lawrence then saw a 35-yard effort fizz over the bar and moments later a fine cross from Ward beat the Derby defenders, with Kevin Bru arriving late on the scene to head narrowly past the left post.
Three successive corners provided success for Ipswich in the 66th minute when Garner rose to head home inside the six-yard box and reduce the deficit.
Ipswich pressed for an equaliser but the Derby defence held strong to run out worthy winners.
Source: PA
