Derby County and Portsmouth Share Points in Hard-Fought Championship Draw

Championship Clash Ends All Square

Derby County and Portsmouth played out a 1-1 draw at Pride Park on 20 December 2025, with both sides earning a valuable point in the Sky Bet Championship. The match, attended by 28,877 fans, showcased two teams battling for crucial points in England’s second tier.

Portsmouth Take Early Lead

Portsmouth, who entered the match with the worst away record in the Championship, took the lead in the sixth minute when Callum Lang showed composure to hold off two challenges before firing a left-footed shot into the net from 12 yards. The early goal gave the visitors something to defend and forced Derby to chase the game at their own ground.

Derby Fight Back Before Half-Time

The hosts pushed for an equaliser throughout the first half, with Rhian Brewster seeing a powerful drive blocked close to the line. Derby’s persistence paid off when they levelled on the stroke of half-time as Hayden Matthews turned the ball into his own net, restoring parity heading into the break.

Second Half Stalemate

Both sides found it hard to produce quality when it mattered, coming up short in the final third during a tense second period. Derby came closest to snatching victory in stoppage time, but Patrick Agyemang’s header produced a fine save from Nicolas Schmid, ensuring Portsmouth held on for a point.

Significance for Both Sides

The result means Derby have now failed to win in four consecutive home games, continuing their frustrating form at Pride Park. For Portsmouth, the draw represents progress in their away form, with manager John Mousinho noting it was important to “stop the rot away from home” after recent poor results on the road. Both teams will look to build on this performance as the Championship season continues through the busy festive period.