Derby County suffer surprise defeat to Grimsby Town

Paul Clement's first match in charge of Derby County ended in defeat this afternoon as the Rams lost 2-1 to Conference side Grimsby Town in a pre-season friendly.

Derby dominated the opening 20 minutes of the match as Tom Ince and Darren Bent went close, but it was Grimsby who opened the scoring midway through the half when Padraig Amond stroked home.

Minutes later Grimsby doubled their lead thanks to Craig Clay, who beat Lee Grant with a long-range effort.

The Mariners held their advantage into half time, but Championship promotion favourites Derby pulled one back shortly after the interval when Johnny Russell curled home a free kick from 20 yards.

Derby then peppered the Grimsby goal, but an equaliser eluded them as the Conference side held on for their second straight pre-season victory.