Derby County 2-1 Peterborough United1-0 Miles Addison (4)
1-1 George Boyd (penalty, 82)
2-1 Gary Teale (86)
Pride Park Stadium: 33,010
Derby County (4-5-1):
Stephen Bywater [7] - GK - made a couple of great saves at 1-0 to preserve the lead, but rushed out rashly to concede the penalty for the equaliser. Looked to throw the ball out quickly whenever possible but his kicking was wayward at times.
Paul Connolly [6] - RB - generally solid defensively but hesitated when he should have taken control of the situation that resulted in Peterborough's penalty. Got forward to support Lee Croft and Paul Green without ever looking comfortable on the attack.
Miles Addison [7] - CB(R) - had a good game. Strong in the air, threw himself into blocks, and frequently burst out of defence on marauding runs forward. Made a nuisance of himself in Posh's penalty area and scored the opening goal with a stooping header.
Jake Buxton [8] - CB(L) - credited with being man of the match by BBC Radio Derby and I wouldn't argue with that. Dominant in the air, strong in the tackle, and distributed well. Fortunate that a couple of shirt pulls went unnoticed and was booked for a cynical foul on the halfway line. Looked dangerous at set-pieces and his header across the box set up Addison's goal.
Dean Moxey [8] - LB - an impressive debut from Moxey who was strong in the air and solid on the deck. Supported Gary Teale and Stephen Pearson well down the left and linked play neatly with simple passes. Provided the cross that led to the opening goal. Saved a certain goal with a brilliant tackle inside the penalty area
Lee Croft [6] - RW - played well for saying he is only about 80% fit according to Nigel Clough. Caused Posh problems with his ability to run at and take on defenders but his final ball and cross were below par. Worked hard for the team and was willing to track back and defend.
Paul Green [6] - CM(R) - struggled to overcome a foot injury picked up in training and never really imposed himself on the game. Linked with Robbie Savage and Pearson but his engine and box to box runs weren't in evidence today. Didn't reappear for the second half.
Robbie Savage [7] - CM - a very good performance from Savage. Saw lots of the ball and distributed it well. Never stopped running and closed Peterborough down at every opportunity. Looks very comfortable as the holding player as part of this central midfield trio.
Stephen Pearson [7] - CM(L) - looks a very good player now that he's fully fit. Got forward well and combines with Moxey and Teale to make Derby dangerous down the left wing. Could've had a goal if he'd had his shooting boots on.
Gary Teale [7] - LW - a lively performance from Teale. Very direct, always looking to run at defenders and get a cross into the penalty area. Unlucky not to score after a mazy run from the halfway line saw his cross-come-shot go narrowly wide. Switched to the right when Ben Pringle came on. Was in the right place at the right time to stab home the late winner from close range.
Steve Davies [6] - SC - worked hard up front as the lone striker, made a nuisance of himself, but doesn't look a natural striker. Had a couple of headers that didn't trouble the goalkeeper. Moved into central midfield later in the game.
Substitutes:
Kris Commons [7] - SC (for Green, half-time) - made a difference as soon as he came on. Looked sharp and lively and caused Peterborough problems whenever he ran at their backline. Had a great chance to score when clean through but was denied by a fine save by Joe Lewis.
Ben Pringle [n/a] - LW (for Croft, 79 minutes) - wasn't on the pitch for long but didn't look out of place. Made three good runs with the ball where he beat the defender and got a cross in. Got bypassed a couple of times when Posh were attacking.
Jay McEveley [n/a] - CM(R) (for Davies, 89 minuntes) - not on the pitch long enough to get involved.
Substitutes not used: Saul Deeney, Mark O'Brien, Arnaud Mendy, Luke Varney...