Derby 2 Stoke 0

Two goal hero Malcolm Christie outjumps Stokes O'Conner

Two goals in the last ten minutes from Malcolm Christie lifted Derby County out of their early season slump against rivals Stoke City.

It had looked as if an inspired goalkeeping display by Neil Cutler would frustrate the Rams until the introduction of forgotten man Georgi Kinkladze turned events on their head.

The Georgian international has long been championed by loyal fans on radio phone in shows but his stock has been at an all time low this season as manager John Gregory had left him festering with the reserves.

But following Derby's dismal display at Rotherham last week, Kinkladze was summoned back to the first team fray and made his introduction after an hour in which the home side had failed to break down Stoke's dogged defence.

Malcolm Christie battles for possession during the Rams V Stoke game

His impact was immediate as his astute passing and vision began exposing Stoke's negative intentions.

The nervousness in the stands was finally broken in the 82nd minute when Paul Boertien crossed from the left, Branko Strupar nodded down and there was Christie to lift the ball over the keeper and into the net.

Ninety seconds later, Kinkladze lifted a perfect pass into the path of Christie who finished low past Cutler.

Christie may feel he should have had even more as he rattled the underside of the crossbar and the outside of a post prior to finally bagging his brace.

And when the young striker did manage to set his sights on target, he and his Derby team-mates found Cutler in inspired form.

Stoke keeper Cutler denies Branko Strupar

The Stoke stopper denied Strupar with two brilliant saves in the first half and then denied Christie one on one early in the second.

After the match Christie paid tribute to Kinkladze's impact saying: "I have said all along that I enjoy playing with Georgi. He always seems to pick the right pass for me and if he played more regularly, I think he would create a lot for me.

"It was quite a surprise to see him as he has been training with the reserves this season. But all he is lacking is a little fitness and if he was given a chance, he would not let this club down."