Bristol City 2-1 Derby County
Adam Baker reports from Ashton Gate

Nicky Maynard secured his landmark 20th goal of the season as City ended their 2009/10 home campaign with a 2-1 victory over Derby County at Ashton Gate.

The striker netted after just three minutes for his 19th goal of the season and looked to have wasted chances to reach the landmark 20 with two gilt-edged chances going begging in the second half.

However, when he was sent tumbling in the penalty area by Nicky Hunt, Maynard took on spot-kick duties to score the cherished 20th goal in front of the Atyeo Stand.

Stephen Pearson grabbed an 86th minute consolation for Derby but it couldn't dampen spirits for City - who this week announced Steve Coppell as their next manager.

Coppell was in America due to family commitments, but he has already been studying DVDs and this one will be no different.

Paul Hartley and Robbie Savage do battle in midfield

City made three changes and switched to a 4-3-3 formation. Dean Gerken was restored in goal, while Gary Sawyer made his debut and Jamal Campbell-Ryce returned from a hamstring problem.

It was a dream start for City as Cole Skuse's left-wing cross was nodded down into the six-yard box by Marvin Elliott. Maynard was there waiting to pounce and he had a simple finish from just a couple of yards out.

The hosts continued their bright start with Danny Haynes slicing a shot wide following Maynard's knockdown, and then Jamal Campbell-Ryce drove an angled shot inches wide of the far post.

At the other end Louis Carey blocked a goal-bound effort from Stephen Pearson.

Danny Haynes limped off in the first half with a strain

Haynes benefited from a ricochet to charge into the penalty area but he picked up an injury whilst seeing his shot blocked, meaning Patrick Agyemang was introduced in his place just before the interval.

The Rams improved as the half wore on and had a couple of chances on the stroke of half-time. Gerken did well to dive across to his right and push clear a driven shot from Nicky Hunt.

Then Elliott was the man on the spot in the penalty area to block away a close range effort from Tomasz Cywka.

Cywka went close after the interval with a low shot just wide of the upright from 20 yards.

Nicky Maynard fires in his 20th goal of the season

A better chance arrived for the visitors on the hour when Pearson's lung-bursting run down the left was followed with a cutback towards Porter in the area. Louis Carey slipped to allow Porter a free shot at goal but with his left boot the forward missed the target completely.

Maynard was desperate for his second of the game - which would take him to 20 goal for the season - and two good chances went begging for the ex-Crewe marksman.

Substitutes Ivan Sproule and Agyemang combined to tee-up Maynard in the box but his shot was lofted over the top. Moments later Sproule teased a cross along the six-yard box and Maynard was denied a goal by Hunt's last-ditch tackle.

The joy on Nicky Maynard's face is clear after his landmark goal

The big moment for Maynard finally arrived with eleven minutes left when Hunt sent him tumbling in the box. With Paul Hartley off the putch, Maynard took over spot-kick duties and he sent Saul Deeney the wrong way for his special landmark goal.

Pearson grabbed a consolation with four minutes left with a low shot that squirmed through Gerken's gloves.

But City had already secured victory and Deeney did well to deny Maynard a hat-trick in stoppage time.