Derby, relegated in shame from the Premier League last season, are on the brink of a Wembley final after edging past Stoke 1-0 in the Carling Cup fifth round.

An injury-time penalty from Nathan Ellington sent Paul Jewell's men into the semi-finals, the first time County have reached that stage of a major cup competition since 1968.

Stoke and Rory Delap had thrown everything they could think of at Derby's determined defence, and fans who suffered through an embarrassing top-flight campaign last term at last had something to celebrate.

Stoke almost got off to a flying start in the second minute when Mamady Sidibe surged from halfway, but when his ball into the box arrived at the far post, the unmarked Delap was unable to bring it under control, and the opportunity was lost.

Chances were at a premium. Derby full-back Paul Connolly got down the right, saw a cross cleared back to him, and then fired in a low, near-post shot that Simonsen spilled before claiming.

Connolly had another long-range effort that sailed over, while at the other end Derby dealt comfortably with Delap's throws.

Extra-time loomed but in injury-time, Andy Griffin was judged to have handled a cross from Przemyslaw Kazmierczak, and referee Rob Styles awarded a spot-kick that Ellington rolled in right in front of the massed Derby ranks.