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Refereeing decisions are always part of the game and they say that the bad decisions even themselves out during a season but this game saw a potential match winning decision made by the man in charge, Mr D Sheldrake.
The game was a very even affair in the first period but the Rams were pushing for the goals that would push them back into the play-off positions. In the 38th minute an attack by the Rams saw Paul Green play a superb ball through to Kris Commons. The Rams leading scorer was bearing down on goal as former England keeper David James came out of the area and brought Commons down.
In most scenarios and according to the rule book James should have been immediately red carded for the offence. However referee Sheldrake only brandished a yellow card and James remained on the field. Nigel Clough was incensed at the foul and decision and will be seeking clarification of the decision by the referee later this week.
With the amazing decision now just a bad memory, Referee Shaldrake continued to make some poor decisions until the break. The game was evenly poised as the half time whistle blew.
Derby, as they seem to have done on several occasions recently went into sleep mode as the second half commenced and soon paid for their inattentiveness. With just three minutes of the second period gone Brett Pitman scored the first of his two goals.
The Rams weren't out of the game at this point and continued to have chances. Nigel Clough tried to help the situation by taking off midfielder Alberto Bueno and replacing him with striker Chris Porter. Dean Moxey and Conor Doyle also were thrown into the mix, replacing Roberts and Cywka.
James, who by now should have been showered and changed continued to thwart the Rams with some good saves, then to add insult to injury Bristol City scored again, Brett Pitman claiming his second of the game.
A crowd of 14,029 (1,053 rams fans) saw the game.