Derby County 1 Leeds United 1 ------------------------------- Oh dear oh dear oh dear. Last Tuesday the mighty AC Milan were slain at the death by a rejuvenated Leeds Today 10-men Derby out-fought and out-thought Leeds to gain a well deserved point from a scrappy encounter. A win would have flattered Leeds. A wonderful free-kick from Ian Harte separated the teams at half-time and a trip on Bridges just before the break saw the dismissal of influential Derby defender Carbonari. Ironically Derby were better without him. For 10 minutes, at the start of the 2nd half, with the one man advantage Leeds were cruising. Kelly had the freedom of the right hand side but as usual his quality was non- existent. Derby with the bubbly Christie leading the line rarely threatened despite their tenacity in midddle of the park. Seth Johnson single- handedly destroyed all Leeds could offer. The turning point came mid-way through the 2nd half when Leeds broke down the right for the umpteenth time and the low cross into the box somehow avoided the net and collided with the post to safety. Seconds later Derby were clear and the Leeds defence fortuitously smothered their attack to safety. Derby's self-belief grew. Leeds, lacking any effective width, looked one dimensional with the hard working Smith and poncey Bridges dropping too deep to hurt the depleted Derby back line. Huckerby bit his nails on the bench. The introduction of Kinkladze and Sturridge gave the Rams the fillip they deserved and it was no surprise to see the Georgian wizard step effortlessly past the static Leeds defence to coolly guide the ball past a static Martyn into the net. The Rams fans reiterated their hatred of Leeds. Derby were never going to score more than one. Their fans deserved better - they sang long and loud throughout in a manner which would put the Kop to shame. It was now up to Leeds. Bridges danced past two Derby defenders but his shot one-on-one was horrible. The corner flag ducked. The guy needs a goal. He is so far off last years standard that sometimes you have to blink to see if it really is him. Then it dawned on me. Leeds were also only going to score once - and that was from a set piece. I really dont know what was said at half time but Derby's spirit eventually won through and Leeds were left kicking themselves for not getting maximum points from the bottom of the table side. Quite simply we did not create enough chances against a rather poor Derby side. Without Harry Kewell we are a top 10 side, with him we are a top 5 one. O'Leary will put it down to tiredness. I put it down to lack of quality and lack of depth. Kelly and Bridges are woeful. Harte is struggling. Bowyer and Dacourt cannot slug their guts out twice a week at this level and remain fresh and effective. Scores ------ Martyn 7 Made one unreal save. Otherwise bored out of his tiny worzel mind Kelly 4 If he was a racehorse he'd be made into burgers. Harte 5 So slow. I just cant believe how hot and cold this guy is. Duberry 6 Did OK but got injured Radebe 7 Solid. Bakke 5 was he playing ? Must still be recovering. Dacourt 6 surprisingly ineffective Bowyer 6 Looked out of sorts. Effort high, composure low. Matteo 6 Not really in it. Missed a header to put us 2-up Smith 6 Gave 100%, but will never hurt the opposition with his back to goal on the half-way line Bridges 4 fucking useless. Tip-fucking-tap football is not good enough. Subs Mills 6 Bald. McFrail 10 - came on for the last minute and did nothing wrong at all. 3500 Leeds fans created a good atmosphere but Derby fans were their equal. Today was a poor advert for the Premier League. Leeds were at best average. I'm so upset. -- stotty www.astott.demon.co.uk