A Mirco Antenucci brace finally ended an 12-game hoodoo over table-toppers Derby County.

Having been one of the travelling army at Blackburn last weekend, I was confident that Leeds might actually get something from this game although the form and history books contradicted my optimism.

The match started in a sombre fashion as a minutes applause took place in memory of five youngsters who died in a horrific road crash in Conisborough a fortnight ago, one whom Blake Cairns was the 16-year-old brother of Leeds reserve keeper Alex.

Neil Redfearn made one change, he dropped skipper Jason Pearce in favour of Bellucsi and Stephen Warnock proved an excellent choice with arguably a man-of-the-match performance at left-back.

Derby started the brighter of the two sides and Jeff Hendrix dragged a shot wide after five minutes. Although goalmouth action was at a premium there were some pulsating and bruising encounters in midfield and referee Michael Russell dished out nine yellow cards during a game which was tough but not in the same league as those memorable Revie v Clough encounters in the early 1970's.

Another legendary figure was remembered on 11 minutes for 11 minutes, Gary Speed. Thursday marked the third anniversary of his death and our fans admirably kept up chanting his name during that time, marking the 22nd minute with a cry of "Speedo!".

With chances few and far between, I would have been happy with 0-0 at half-time but Antenucci was sharp as a tack on 43 minutes slamming home a superb strike inside the area following a mad scramble. He taunted the 3000 or so Derby fans by cocking his ear at them as he marked his sixth of the season.

Just five minutes after the break, the hard-working Italian had claimed his seventh of the season. Adryan, who was becoming more and more eye catching combined with Warnock down the left to pick out Antenucci who hit home a superbly measured finish by Grant.

The game continued to be a midfield slog and Antenucci was denied a third following a one-on-one with Grant. Steve McClaren who had made his way from his usual position in the stand to the touchline threw on three subs on 66, a bold move to try and get the league leaders back into the game but in all honesty Derby today did not offer much to show they can be like their rivals from the East Midlands Leicester City and walk away with this division. Although they looked a danger coming forward, I don't think Sylvestre had a serious shot to save.

Another irony was the "Dirty Leeds" chants that have rang our way from their fans for forty years, two challenges on Adryan by Johnny Russell (who was subbed moments later) and Ryan Shotton should have been straight reds! The league leaders also left Elland Road with five yellow cards in comparison to our four!

It promises to be a Christmas Cracker when we head to the I-Pro on December 30th! Miss it if you dare!

Photo: Action Images

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