Derby County climbed into the Championship play-off places as second-half goals from Rhian Brewster and Patrick Agyemang secured a 2-0 victory over Swansea City.

Swansea were the better side in the first period but fell behind almost immediately after the break when Brewster drilled in from close range after a Callum Elder corner.

The second goal came in similar fashion, rose as Agyemang rising highest to head home his 10th goal of the season from another Elder corner.

Derby's fourth victory in their past six matches – and only their second in nine home league outings - means John Eustace's side jump five places in the table to sixth.

Swansea are six points adrift of the play-off spots – and 10 clear of the bottom three – in 16th after losing for just the second time in six games.

The Swans ought to have led after dominating the first half, but lacked the quality in the final third to deliver a breakthrough as Eom Jisung shot over and Liam Cullen curled a free-kick just the wrong side of the post.

For all Swansea's control, it was Lawrence Vigouroux who made the one save of the first period, the Chile international diving to his left to repel Joe Ward's free-kick.

Derby needed an improvement after the break, and they duly seized the initiative when former Swansea player Brewster scored at the second attempt after his initial header was blocked.

Swansea faded after Agyemang gave Derby the cushion of a two-goal advantage, although Gustavo Nunes might have given the Welsh side hope when he drew a decent save from Vickers.

Eustace celebrated 12 months in charge at Pride Park earlier this week, with significant progress made during his tenure given that the club were in a relegation scrap this time last year.

The issue this season for Derby has been home form, so this was a very welcome victory against opponents who have been in good form.

Vitor Matos' improving Swansea side caused the Rams plenty of problems, particularly before the break, but it was Derby's set-piece threat which proved decisive.

Eustace's team have now scored in 22 successive league games, the longest current sequence in the top four divisions.

Once Brewster ensured that run would continue with his third goal in as many games, Swansea did not look like finding a way of boosting their relatively slim play-off chances.