Skuse spoils Savage swansong

Cole Skuse made sure Derby midfielder Robbie Savage's last appearance at Pride Park ended in defeat by scoring a brilliantly taken goal to seal our first win at Derby since 1994.

Former Derby striker Jon Stead put the Robins in front with only six minutes on the clock, turning sharply inside the box to fire left-footed past Brad Jones.

Rams forward Theo Robinson then forced Dean Gerken into a smart double save before Gerken thwarted Steven Davies' drive from distance.

Stead missed a good chance to double his, and City's, tally for the afternoon when he raced clear only to fire into the side-netting.

Robbie Savage was then booked for a cynical foul on Brett Pitman on 33 mintues, much to the delight of the Cider Army behind the goal.

Alberto Bueno saw his effort tipped around the post just before half-time and Robinson spurned another chance for the Rams when shooting wide from a good position inside the City box.

But it was City supporters who were on their feet again on 66 minutes, following some poor defending from the home defence.

Brett Pitman caught Gareth Roberts in possession on the right-hand side of the box before the ball broke to Cole Skuse, who demonstrated excellent technique in volleying into the bottom left-hand corner from 25 yards out.

Albert Adomah fired inches past the upright when fed by Pitman before Savage shanked his chance to sign off in style, when blazing over the top from 18 yards.

DERBY (4-4-2): Jones; Brayford, Anderson, Ayala, Roberts; Pearson, Savage (Hendrick '84), Bailey, S. Davies (Doyle '77); Bueno, Robinson (Ball '66).

CITY (4-4-2): Gerken; Spence, Wilson, Nyatanga, McAllister; Adomah (Woolford '77), Elliott, Skuse, Campbell-Ryce; Stead (Jackson '85), Pitman (Clarkson '71).

REFEREE: Iain Williamson (Berkshire)

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