The Rams can count themselves fortunate to be leading their play-off semi final tie.
Derby will head to Craven Cottage next week with a slender 1-0 lead. Cameron Jerome netted in the 34th minute and that remained their only shot on target in a game which was dominated by the London side.
Having gone unbeaten in over 20 league games, Fulham have now lost back to back games, after failing to beat Birmingham on the last day and gain an automatic promotion spot.
Fulham are now second favourites to qualify and make it to Wembley – something they also did not manage to achieve last season when they were knocked out by Reading.
However, Fulham have won 12 out of their last 15 at home and have only lost 1 in the process. Derby have only won once away from home in their last nine and they will find it difficult to go another 90 minutes without conceding.
Oddschecker spokesman George Elek: “Both sides don’t have the best recent memories of the play-offs but it will be more challenging for Derby to go to Craven Cottage and contain Fulham. They were fortunate tonight but I don’t think that will be the case in the second leg.”
