Rob Hulse's prolific scoring streak continued with the goal that gave Derby a precious three points in their battle against relegation from the Coca-Cola Championship.

Bristol City's play-off hopes were dealt a severe blow at Pride Park as striker Hulse netted a seventh goal in his last 11 matches four minutes from time.

Chris Porter had given Nigel Clough's Rams the lead after only 52 seconds, but City's relentless pressure was finally rewarded when Gavin Williams equalised with a superb 25-yard volley in the 84th minute.

However, parity lasted little more than 90 seconds before Hulse struck the decisive blow of a thoroughly entertaining encounter.

Porter resumed where he had left off in midweek.

The January signing from Motherwell scored his first goals for the Rams in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against Swansea, and wasted no time in adding to his tally for Nigel Clough's side.

Robins midfielder Lee Johnson failed to react to a loose ball in the middle of the park after Jamie McCombe's headed clearance.

There was no such hesitation from Mile Sterjovski, who collected the ball and drove forward down the right side of the City penalty area.

The Australian sent a low ball across goal where Porter was lurking unmarked to turn it past the helpless Adriano Basso.

Gary Johnson's side responded well to their early setback and Nicky Maynard should have brought them level after seven minutes, however the former Crewe striker never looked confident when one-on-one with Stephen Bywater and the Rams goalkeeper blocked his shot.

Two minutes later neat play between Maynard and strike partner Stern John on the edge of the box saw the former force Bywater into another save.

The Robins continued to put their hosts under pressure and were seeking a penalty when Lee Johnson's free-kick appeared to strike Lewin Nyatanga's arm in the defensive wall.

The ball was half-cleared but launched straight back into the penalty box and defender Jamie McCombe struck the post with a header.

McCombe then looped another headed effort on to the roof of the net from Jamie McAllister's free-kick midway through the half.

City's seemingly relentless assault on Bywater's goal showed no signs of easing and the goalkeeper had to get down quickly to smother a snap shot from Lee Johnson following good work down the right from Maynard just after the half-hour mark.

Goalscorer Porter had to go off at the break with a hip injury, forcing Clough into a reshuffle.

Porter was replaced by Andy Todd and the centre-half was used as a holding midfielder as the Rams adopted a rigid 4-5-1 formation, with Gary Teale occasionally supporting Hulse.

It did little to change Derby's fortunes in the early stages of the second half as the visitors continued to press.

John headed over from Michael McIndoe's corner after 51 minutes, before the hosts provided a rare threat just after the hour mark, and Sterjovski was again the instigator.

His through-ball set Hulse free down the right side of the box but his shot was palmed away by Basso.

The Brazilian then blocked an effort from a similar position from Nacer Barazite after 65 minutes.

Much like the first half, City enjoyed the bulk of the possession but they were unable to create the number of chances they had prior to the break.

Williams forced Bywater into action with a volley from the edge of the area midway through the second half.

Gary Johnson brought on forwards Ivan Sproule and Peter Styvar in an attempt to find the equalising goal.

The Robins almost shot themselves in the foot after 77 minutes by handing Derby a second goal.

Confusion between Basso and Bradley Orr resulted in the defender's backpass going beyond the goalkeeper who raced back to slide and kick the ball off the line.

Williams looked to have salvaged a deserved point for the Robins when his volley flew past Bywater and into the bottom corner.

But Hulse had other ideas. Teale crossed from the left and the big striker got across his marked to volley home from eight yards.

Teams

Derby Bywater, Connolly, Albrechtsen, Nyatanga,McEveley (Kazmierczak 80), Barazite, Sterjovski (Villa 87),Savage, Teale, Hulse, Porter (Todd 46).

Subs Not Used: Carroll, Ellington.

Booked: Todd.

Goals: Porter 1, Hulse 85.

Bristol City Basso, Orr, Carey, McCombe (Sproule 62),Fontaine, McAllister, Williams, Johnson, McIndoe,Maynard (Styvar 74), John.

Subs Not Used: Weale, James Wilson, Akinde.

Goals: Williams 83.

Att: 30,824

Ref: Keith Stroud (Hampshire).