Norwich City 1 Derby County 2: Derby back on top

Derby County recorded their 11th away victory of the season to put them right back on top of the championship.

It took a classy double from Derby's former Manchester United midfielder David Jones to ensure that Billy Davies' men will be top of the Championship when they face promotion rivals Birmingham City on Friday in another Sky TV game.

This was a pulsating, thoroughly enjoyable game and a credit to championship football and while Norwich City's endeavour possibly deserved a point, Derby and Jones produced the two moments of real quality to guarantee all three.

Derby had the better of the first half though neither team created much by way of clear-cut chances.

The contest really took off in the second period. After 52 minutes, Norwich worked a throw-in to Chris Martin on the edge of the box where he unleashed a low drive that brought him his fifth goal in seven games. The goal in truth was a mistake by the otherwise excellent Derby goalkeeper Bywater.

Back came Derby. Jones received Matt Oakley's alert 63rd-minute throw and curled a sublime left-footed effort into the far corner.

Norwich responded well and manager Peter Grant felt aggrieved at the refereeing after Huckerby had been brought down by Dean Leacock when clean through and Martin's subsequent "goal" was deemed offside.

Norwich had no problem with the offside decision, but justifiably questioned the referee's decision not to send off Leacock. "He's got to bring it back and send him off," Grant said.

Then came the move of the match. Substitute Gary Teale chipped a ball into the highly-rated Giles Barnes whose audacious flick fell perfectly for Jones to score calmly from close range.

Norwich threw on Dion Dublin for the last 20 minutes and the veteran striker immediately forced a magnificent save from Steve Bywater.

The home team piled on late pressure but Derby were strong enough defensively to hold out, moving a step closer to fulfilling their dream of a place in the Premiership.

"They were there for the taking," said Grant ruefully. "They are singing and dancing because they know they got away with it. But then that's why they are where they are and we are where we are."

Your dead right we were singing and dancing. nearly 1,000 derby fans made the tortuous journey but were well rewarded. The table shows Derby two points clear of Birmingham in second and six points clear of WBA in third.

Avoid defeat at Birmingham and Derby will stay on top. But allowing for the St Andrews disgraceful pitch what price a 12th away win?

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-07 03:34:15