Derby County 2 Portsmouth 0

Last updated : 07 November 2010 By Rams Mad Editor

The Rams turned in another classic performance to defeat a Portsmouth side that were one of the in-form teams in the Championship.

A physical Portsmouth were a handful for Derby in the opening exchanges but the Rams kept to their game plan and came close to opening the score on 11 minutes, when a blistering shot from Kris Commons flew just over the bar.

Derby kept up the attack and were rewarded in the 23rd minute. Tomasz Cywka was felled in the penalty area by Aaron Mokoena. Rams Captain, Robbie Savage stepped up and coolly placed the ball past the Portsmouth keepers right hand.

Portsmouth still looked dangerous but the Rams kept them at arms length, despite some poor refereeing decisions which infuriated Rams players and supporters alike . On of these dubious decisions by the referee saw Dean Leacock booked for what looked like a slip from the Portsmouth player. This booking was Leacocks fifth of the season and now sees him automatically miss Tuesday's trip to Ipswich.

The second half saw the Rams look to extend their lead and with the clock nearing the hour mark Shefki Kuqi with some good work on the right wing shaped to cross the ball. His cross was not what the pompey defence of the Rams attackers expected. The ball fizzed low across the box and an alert Paul Green powered the ball into the back of the net.

Rams fans had further good news in the 81st minute, when Miles Addison stepped back onto the pitch after a year out with injury. Miles is not expected to be in the side for long as he requires further surgery to remove screws in his foot. The joy was clear to see on supporters and Addisons face as he returned.

The Rams were now full in charge of the game and despite glimpses of their recent form, Portsmouth didn't have an answer to the Rams powerful display. The Rams now sit fourth in the Championship after their fifth consecutive home win...