Derby county Sunderland land the punch
Saturday, 24 February, 2007
Attendance: 36,049
Sunderland 2 Derby County 1
What a result against the league leaders! Not only does this keep the run going but it makes the play-offs a possibility or even automatic promotion, but let's not get into the chicken counting just yet!
Sunderland started brightly and were definitely the better team in the first half as Derby tried to come to terms with their own new 4-5-1 system, presumably designed to frustrate the home team and hit them on the break. But this was not to be as Sunderland poured purposely forward. They deservedly went ahead when the ref spotted a bit of shirt-pulling by Edworthy on Connolly and the same player sent the 'keeper the wrong way from the spot.
However, it was all change after the break when Derby introduced Giles Barnes and reverted to their favoured 4-4-2 and started to show just why they were top of the league. Barnes looks a magnificent prospect and enhanced his growing stature with a tremendous equaliser showing exquisite skill before finishing confidently.
It was Derby who were now on a roll and went close on several occasions but the Wearsiders stood firm. Having been so disappointed to lose a late goal at Birmingham, it was delight all round when Liam Miller got his head to a Leadbitter cross to secure the three points.
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