Plucky Rams lose out in penalty shoot-out

Last updated : 20 September 2006 By Rams Mad Editor
Derby County found themselves three goals down in tonights 2nd Round Carling Cup game at the Belle View stadium within an hour but fought back and levelled the game with just two minutes on the clock of ordinary time.

Arturo Lupoli
Lupoli Hero and then villain
Arturo Lupoli was the hero and then villain of the match. He scored the last gasp equalizer but was book for his celebrations. Lupoli turned villain after collecting a harsh second booking for pulling an opponents shirt near the half way line. Arturo was sent off and the Rams didn't look like scoring again.

Derby continued to battle with 10 men but the 30 minutes of extra time failed to find a winner.

Both sides looked composed and confident as the opening rounds of penalties went in, with neither side looking like missing. As the shoot-out reached the sudden death period the players of both sides kept scoring. It wasn't until the 8th penalty that the Rams weakened. Lewin Nyatanga missing the crutial spot kick.

Its not clear how Rams fans should view this game. Was it poor play for the first hour, or was the comeback something to Billy Davies and his men should be proud of. Either way the Rams are now out of the Carling Cup for another season falling to a lower division side.