A hard working performance by a young and largely inexperienced Rams reserve side was ruined by a tackle from Glen Kirkwood on Lee Holmes that took the youngster both out of the match and probably out of contention from Saturday’s curtain raiser at Elland Road.
Derby used the match as a loosener for Adam Bolder and Richard Jackson who came through their scheduled 45 minutes unscathed, and were able to declare themselves fit and available for the weekend.
The side though was packed with Academy players and when the pair were withdrawn Steve Taylor was left with only untried keeper Ben Kirby on the bench.
Holmes had been the victim of rough treatment throughout what was supposed to be a friendly and finally limped off after Kirkwood’s tackle left him with a dead leg.
Gianfranco Labarthe Tome made Albion keeper Glyn Thompson work to keep a clean sheet on several occasions while Lee Camp proved solid when called into action, though he was once helped by a post.
With the result ending goalless there was much for the young Rams to be pleased about especially as at least half of the opposition were genuine first teamers.
Worry over Holmes’s health, however put a damper on any celebrations.