Derby produced a classic smash-and-grab performance to snatch a surprise Anfield triumph.

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Manager Jim Smith had to send out a makeshift line-up with the likes of Igor Stimac, Dean Sturridge, Stefan Schnoor and Francesco Baiano all unavailable.

But their replacements responded to the challenge superbly and first half goals from Kevin Harper and Paolo Wanchope left the home crowd shaking their heads in disbelief.

Determined defence by Steve Elliott and Horacio Carbonari kept Liverpool at bay until six minutes from time when Jamie Redknapp pulled one back but they could not find an equaliser.

Derby manager Jim Smith speaks after the match

The home side won two early free-kicks but Redknapp hit the first against Derby wall and then did exactly same from five yards closer to the goal.

A foul on Paolo Wanchope gave Derby their first chance as Elliott rose highest to head Tony Dorigo's cross wide of the post.

Liverpool's defence failed to learn the lesson and were punished in the 6th minute when another Dorigo cross picked out the unmarked Harper, who placed his header into the far corner.

The Derby defence kept Owen at bay

The response was instant with the pace and skill of Michael Owen and Steve McManaman threatening a quick reply.

Owen made a run along the edge of the box before feeding Robbie Fowler but his first touch was not good enough and Rory Delap hacked the ball to safety.

Redknapp received a yellow card for a terrible late challenge on Lars Bohinen but was soon in the action at the other end with a right-wing centre which Fowler headed against the upright.

Patrik Berger had a shot deflected only inches wide and only a superbly timed tackle by Elliott denied Fowler in the 24th minute after Owen rolled a through ball into his path.

Paulo Wanchope is congratulated for scoring Derby's winner

But a slick counter-attack three minutes later ended with Derby finding themselves two up.

A long ball found Harper in space on the right and he laid the ball back to Delap, whose perfect first-time cross was headed powerfully past James by Wanchope.

Liverpool needed an early goal after the re-start and Fowler almost supplied it when he sneaked in at the back of the Derby defence, but his glancing header was just off target.

Evans above: The Liverpool bench look on in despair

Elliott came to Derby's rescue when Russell Hoult misjudged Stig Inge Bjornebye's left-wing centre, but the keeper redeemed himsefl a few moments later by beating away a fierce Fowler drive.

Sub David Thompson tested Hoult before Liverpool finally broke through with McManaman slipping his marker on the left and supplying a perfect ball for Redknapp to sidefoot home.

The visitors came under siege with Redknapp going close and Fowler flashing a drive over the bar and Hoult was booked for time-wasting as Derby hung on for their first win at Anfield for 29 years.

Liverpool: James, Staunton, McManaman, Fowler, Owen, Redknapp, Heggem, Berger, Ince, Bjornebye, Carragher. Subs: Friedel, Kvarme, McAteer, Harkness, Thompson.

Derby: Hoult, Carbonari, Powell, Dorigo, Wanchope, Delap, Harper, Bohinen, Laursen, Elliot, Burton. Subs: Launders, Christie, Bridge-Wilkinson, Poom, Kozluk.