Rams put Pompey down

Portsmouth will be in the third tier of English football for the first time in 30 years after their relegation was confirmed by Derby.

Luke Varney cancelled out Jake Buxton's first-half opener but Steve Davies converted the winning penalty to deprive Michael Appleton's side of even the smallest consolation at the end of a torrid campaign. Derby were soon on the front foot and when Jamie Ward swung in a delivery from the right, Buxton unmarked to head home from close range. With 16 minutes left to play, Marko Futacs slipped in Varney and he coolly slotted past substitute goalkeeper Adam Legzdins. But the hosts' joy was short-lived as four minute later Ward was brought down by Jason Pearce in the box and despite Davies' spot-kick striking Jamie Ashdown's legs it still found its way in. With Bristol City winning at home to Barnsley, Portsmouth's fate was sealed anyway, but their disappointment will have been compounded by their failure to finish their home campaign on a high.