They say that old habits die hard, this was certainly the case for Saints as history repeated itself at Pride Park. It was a Ricardo Fuller equaliser in the dying seconds last term, but that brought a smile to Saints fans’ faces. This time however a Paul Peschisolido goal earnt Derby an unlikely point. The game brought back painful memories for Saints fans who saw their team throw away leads against Arsenal, Everton and Villa in their relegation season.
The game started badly for Saints who saw skipper Claus Lundekvam stretched off following a collision with Giles Barnes. The Saints defence were in disarray from then on, noticeably Pele seemed to struggle.
A rare venture into the Derby half forced a dangerous Rudi Skacel corner which was dealt with by Inigo Idiakez. Idiakez then proceeded to make his first contribution of the afternoon a clever free kick which sailed wide of the near post.
The pace of youngster Giles Barnes was clearly troubling a laboured Saints’ defence, on 21 minutes he got in behind and crossed for Steve Howard who was unable to capitalize on the chance.
Derby continued to dominate proceedings, Steve Howard in particular was causing problems when he narrowly missed the target from a Ryan Smith cross. Saints’ winger Djamel Belmadi also did well to clear an Idiakez corner off the line.
Derby finally made their pressure count on 34 minutes when Seth Johnson ghosted into the penalty area, he saw his first shot saved excellently by Kelvin Davis, only to tap in the rebound.
Derby continued to pressurize up until the break, Kelvin Davis failed to deal with an Idiakez corner but his blushes were spared once again by Belmadi.
HALF TIME : DERBY 1 – 0 SAINTS
Saints fans had witness a dreadful first half and were now praying for a response from the team. Fans behind the goal thought that Saints had in fact equalised when Ostlund volleyed into the side netting.
A second injury blow for Saints came in the 54th minute when Ricardo Fuller hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring strain. He was replaced by Bradley Wright-Phillips, who was booked within two minutes of coming on for hand ball.
Then came the breakthrough Saints so desperatly needed, Alex Ostlund was hauled down outside the area by Ryan Smith. Upstepped Gareth Bale to despatch a wicked left foot curler into the top corner.
Within minutes Derby almost took the lead again when Tommy Smith looked to have been tripped inside the area by Ostlund. However, the player stayed on his feet and no penalty was given.
Saints took the lead in the 68th minute when Wright-Phillips picked up the ball in the area, turned and hammered a shot past a helpless Camp.
Jermaine Wright almost increased the advantage with a deft chip which was agonisingly close.
A corner from Tommy Smith then outfoxed Kelvin Davis who could only watch as Michael Johnson headed over an empty net.
Saints were to have two more chances before the end. A low cross from Wright-Phillips was brilliantly intercepted by Darren Moore preventing Rasiak from tapping in. Rudi Skacel also hit a 20 yard drive which was saved by Camp.
Then came the cruel twist. Paul Peschisolido who had come on as sub a few minutes earlier rifled a low shot past Davis to give Derby an unlikely point.
An encouraging second half performance will give fans hope that the best is yet to come from a newly assembled Saints team.
Player Ratings
Kelvin Davis 7
A decent enough start for the ex Sunderland stopper. He made an excellent save from Johnson in the first half only to see the rebound tapped in. He also made another excellent stops in the second from Idiakez and Tommy Smith.
Chris Baird 6
Looked a little uncomfortable having to switch from right back to centre back so early on. He and defensive partner Pele looked as though they were unable to communicate at times.
Gareth Bale 8
Had an excellent game. Bale looked assured in defence and also showed an eagerness to get forward. Curled in a sublime free kick for the equaliser.
Pele 6
Had trouble dealing with target man Steve Howard who looked to have the better of him in the first half. The threat of Howard seemed to fade in the second half and Pele gained in confidence. His performance was not helped by the departure of Lundekvam so early on.
Claus Lundekvam N/A
Departed within the first 5 minutes after a bad fall on his left ankle following a challenge from youngster Giles Barnes. Replaced by Ostlund.
Djamel Belmadi 7
In the first half Belmadi was the only midfield player who had any sort of meaningful possession, although he gave the ball away far too easily at times.
Rudi Skacel 5
The former Hearts wide man struggled to make any sort of contribution. He was stuck out on the left hand side in the first half when Saints looked lost. Looks to lack match fitness but this can only improve with time.
Jermaine Wright 6
An unspectacular performance from the former Ipswich man. He gave the ball away far too much in the first half as did the rest of the Saints midfield. He almost increased Saints’ advantage in the second half but his deft chip just missed the post.
John Viafara 6
He struggled to impose himself on the game. He could only watch as Derby eased through the Saints midfield in the first half.
Gregorz Rasiak 7
He struggled for possession in a first half, he received little support from the midfield. Had a better second half forcing a save out of Derby keeper Camp.
Ricardo Fuller 6
Again Fuller also struggled for possession and when he had it he posed no threat to a physical Derby defence. He forced a good save out of keeper Lee Camp after forcing in a shot from a tight angle. He had to depart midway through the second half with a hamstring strain.
Alex Ostlund 8
Had an excellent game at right back. He was calm, composed and made some well timed challenges. He also ventured forward to support Belmadi.
Bradley Wright-Phillips 8
Caused no end of problems to a Derby defence who struggled to cope with his explosive pace. His second half goal was excellently taken.
Unfair to rate him as he was thrown on with so little time to go.