Derby 3 Reading 0

Christie celebarates after his goal this afternoon

Derby showed that they will be a force in the First Division with an impressive opening day performance over a Reading team who could not cope with the home side's quality.

Although Reading worked hard to deny space in midfield, two goals in the space of two minutes midway through the second half settled the game.

Reading boss Alan Pardew was left to reflect on his decision to bring on an extra striker which backfired on his side. Derby scored two minutes after Jamie Cureton replaced Sammy Igoe and from then on were always heading for the three points.

The first half was a story of Reading packing the midfield and trying to frustrate Derby although they still had

Ravanelli hits the woodwork from this free kick

chances to have taken the lead.

Fabrizio Ravanelli was denied by keeper Phil Whitehead and the striker also hit a post with a 25-yard free-kick.

But once Rob Lee drilled in a 20-yard right-foot shot in the 61st minute, Derby were off and running and Ravanelli got the goal his performance deserved when Malcom Christie set him up from close range.

Reading's only shot on target came from John Salako who was foiled by an excellent save by Mart Poom and the game was finally up for the visitors when Christie scored the third from eight yards after Ravanelli and Paul Boertien combined to open the visitors up.

Pardew admitted his players had been beaten by a better side but said: "We made far too many errors throughout the game.

Chris Riggott gets in a saving tackle

"I said in the dressing room we made too many mistakes so I have to hold my hands up, as soon as we changed it they scored and I guess that's sod's law."

Derby boss John Gregory was delighted with his team's performance and particularly Ravanelli.

"I thought he led the line really well and I believe he could get us 20-25 goals this season."