He scored again in the following game, a 2–1 win against fierce rivals Leeds United on 12 April. His fourth goal for the club was a 20-yard strike in the 30th minute against Burnley on 23 April to put "The Rams" 2–1 up. In the 61st minute, he conceded a penalty and was shown a straight red card for fouling former Derby defender Tyrone Mears in the 18-yard box. Burnley went on to win the match 4–2. Ward was suspended for the next 2 games and returned for the final match of the season, against Reading on 7 May. He equalised with a stunning 25-yard goal but Derby went on to lose the match 2–1. Derby successfully avoided relegation to League One, something his parent club failed to manage. With his loan spell adjudged a success, two days after the end of Derby's season, Ward signed a permanent 2-year contract with the option of a year extension, for an undisclosed fee.