Wales international Tom Lawrence's delightful freekick ended Derby County's eight-match winless run with a 1-0 victory over fellow Championship play-off chasing contenders Preston North End on Monday.

Lawrence struck in the 53rd minute to give fifth-placed Derby a three-point advantage over Middlesbrough and Bristol City.

Both can draw level with Derby -- who have a superior goal difference -- on points later on Monday if 'Boro beat relegation-threatened Burton away and City defeat mid-table Brentford at home.

"This was a massive result for us," said Derby manager Gary Rowett.

"We needed this win."

Preston -- who are 10th but only two points off sixth-placed Middlesbrough -- had missed a glorious chance to take the lead in the first half when Alan Browne's penalty hit the post.

In other Championship action later on Monday second-placed Cardiff can equal a club record nine successive victories if they beat Sheffield United away.

Cardiff's manager Neil Warnock -- whose side are seven points clear of third-placed Fulham -- is chasing what would be a record eighth promotion.