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Preston came to Pride Park and looked to muscle the Rams out of their stride with some very meaty tackles during the entire game but Derby came through and deserved their victory. After twenty minutes of the game the teams hadn't really threatened each others goals and new loanee keeper for the Rams, Frank Fielding hadn't had to make a save.
Dean Moxey had the 26,117 crowd on their feet after 21 minutes when a shot come cross found Preston Keeper Andy Lonegan in two minds. The keeper was conscious of the cross and moved out of his goal slightly, only for Moxey to send in a very clever shot or a miss hit cross. Whatever the ball was meant to be by Moxey the ball fizzed toward the goal and the despairing hand of Lonagan could only push the bal into his own net.
Derby then took control of the match, with midfield loanee, Alberto Bueno finding space and creating several chances. His reward came from a deep cross from John Brayford. Shefki Kuqi met the ball at the far post and sent an inviting header across the goal for Bueno to nod in. A just reward for some excellent work and some hefty challenges by Preston players for his troubles.
Half time came with the Rams 2-0 up and all looked well for a Rams victory. Preston however must have received a harsh team talk during the break and they tried to retrieve the game and put the Rams under pressure during the opening ten minutes of the second half. Derby were up to the task and defended their lead and rode out the storm and continued on their way to victory with some excellent passing football.
The strong arm tactics of Preston eventually saw Keith Treacy have one foul too many and was sent off for a second bookable offence in the closing stages. The Rams took the full advantage of the extra player and Russell Anderson, a defender was looking for glory as he sped into the penalty area in stoppage time, only to be brought down. Robbie Savage, the Rams Captain and celebrating his 600th game stepped up to complete and excellent game for himself and Derby County by slotting in the penalty.
Derby County now find themselves in 12th position in the Championship and fourth in the current form tables (below)
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