Derby took a big step towards cementing their involvement in the Coca-Cola
Championship play-offs when Morten Bisgaard scored the only goal of the match
against promotion rivals Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.
The Rams' 12th away win of the season - equalling the club record - sees them
consolidate fifth place but delivered a potentially-fatal blow to the Blades'
own play-off aspirations.
It was tough luck on United, who enjoyed the majority of possession in the
second half but their endeavour could not disguise the lack of clear-cut chances
created in windswept conditions which made flowing football virtually
impossible.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Leigh Bromby failed to control
the ball and Grzegorz Rasiak sent through an instant through-ball which saw
former Blades favourite Paul Peschisolido, who was on as a substitute, pounce.
Blades keeper Paddy Kenny raced out of his area as Peschisolido bore down on
goal and managed to block his shot but the ball rebounded to Bisgaard who
converted calmly from just outside the penalty area with the goalkeeper failing
to get back in time.
The Blades had started the match in seventh - one point and two places behind
the visitors - but the game was bereft of quality and composure in teeming
rain.
Derby posted a warning when Inigo Idiakez ran at the defence before playing in
Tommy Smith, whose shot was comfortably saved by Kenny when the forward could
maybe have tested him more.
Although the hosts had more possession Derby gave an illustration of the
danger they can pose on the break when Idiakez seemed about to have a free run
on the keeper before being stopped in his tracks by a vital interception from
Phil Jagielka.
Smith twisted and turned and found space to unleash a shot which clipped the
post before two minutes later Idiakez found himself in space and his shot from
30 yards was just wide.
The Rams were starting to impose themselves and their speed and precision on
the break was causing problems for the Blades, who were guilty of squandering
possession easily.
Bisgaard sent a shot wide from distance in the 25th minute but it was becoming
a scrappy affair with little in the way of creativity from either side.
Quinn, busy switching wings, played in Danny Webber who, despite close
attention from two defenders, found space to swivel and shoot but blazed over.
Derby were dealt a blow just before half-time when Idiakez, who had been a
doubt beforehand with a hamstring injury, was replaced by Adam Bolder.
The second half started in a similar vein and Webber continued to try to find
a way through with little success, while Rasiak showed little of the aerial
presence and deft touch which had caused problems in the first 45 minutes.
Phil Jagielka saw a shot go wide and Alan Quinn sent a fierce volley at Lee
Camp from the edge of the area as the hosts raised the tempo, although a
succession of heavy challenges saw Blades boss Neil Warnock venting his fury at
the fourth official.
But it was the introduction of Peschisolido, who replaced Marcus Tudgay to an
ovation from both sets of fans, which heralded a change of fortunes and just
seven minutes after his introduction he had helped put the Rams in front.
In the 81st minute Bromby attempted to make amends for his costly mistake when
his header was narrowly over but the Blades were visibly deflated.
United's urgency was illustrated by the presence of goalkeeper Kenny when they
won two late corners but Derby held out.
Teams:
Sheff Utd Kenny, Geary (Francis 87), Bromby, Morgan, Harley,
Liddell (Kabba 69), Jagielka, Montgomery (Forte 80), Quinn,
Gray, Webber.
Subs Not Used: David Johnson, Thirlwell.
Derby Camp, Makin, Konjic, Johnson (Taylor 88), Kenna,
Tudgay (Peschisolido 67), Idiakez (Bolder 42), Huddlestone,
Smith, Bisgaard, Rasiak.
Subs Not Used: Junior, Miller.
Booked: Bisgaard.
Goals: Bisgaard 74.
Att: 20,794
Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).
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