Derby see off Villa

Ravanelli scores against Villa after 45 minutes

Derby County 3-1 Aston Villa
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Goals from Fabrizio Ravanelli, Benito Carbone and Malcolm Christie ensured Derby emerged victorious from a keenly-fought contest at Pride Park.

Ravanelli scored after 45 minutes but his strike was instantly negated by Juan Pablo Angel's equaliser for Villa in first-half injury time.

However, Benito Carbone's first goal since joining Derby on loan and Malcolm Christie's late effort were enough to secure three valuable points for Colin Todd's struggling team.

  Key moments

45 mins: Ravenelli scores for Derby

45 mins: Angel equalises

67 mins: Carbone scores for Derby

87 mins: Christie scores for Derby

Derby were brittle defensively throughout the match but played with purpose and vigour going forward.

It was another frustrating afternoon for Villa boss John Gregory, who prowled his technical area with frustrated menace.

With the score at 2-1 Villa had sufficient opportunities to take at least a share of the spoils but their recent mediocre form continues.

A high octane but almost chanceless first half appeared to be heading towards a goalless conclusion until both teams struck with late goals.

On the stroke of half-time Kinkladze's deep corner was headed by Chris Riggott towards Ravenelli, who spun and shot from short range.

Schmeichel got a hand to the ball but could not prevent the home team from taking the lead.

It's pleasing to win 3-1 but it is important we build on that now

Derby boss Colin Todd

Deep into first-half injury time Villa equalised.

George Boateng's floated ball was flicked-on at the edge of the Rams' penalty area by Dion Dublin.

The ball dropped to Angel, who shrugged off Youl Mawane before shooting across Poom and into the net.

Villa had begun the match poorly, squandering possession far too easily.

But, with Paul Merson dictating play, they dominated lengthy spells of the half and deserved to equalise.

Double substitution

Unhappy with his team's lack of cutting edge in the opening half Gregory introduced Hassan Kachloul and Lee Hendrie.

Ten minutes into the half Angel played Hendrie through with an angled pass but Poom was quickly off his line and superbly palmed the ball out.

From the subsequent corner a completely unmarked Olof Mellberg headed over from four yards.

Angel scores Villa's goal

Villa continued to pour forward and Kachloul's long-range shot after 66 minutes hit the post and rebounded to safety.

But a minute later and Villa trailed for a second time.

Schmeichel palmed Ravanelli's cross from the left into the path of Carbone, who shot superbly on the turn for his first goal in Derby colours.

Once again Schmeichel will feel that he ought to have done better.

Villa reacted by pushing men forward, which in turn stretched the game.

A sustained period of Villa pressure culminated with Angel heading wide from short range with the goal seemingly at his mercy.

Shortly afterwards Derby - increasingly dangerous on the break - almost scored again.

It was a golden opportunity for us to win today and we did not take that opportunity

Villa boss John Gregory

Ravanelli's lofted pass put substitute Malcolm Christie through, but the young striker's attempted lob was comfortably collected by Schmeichel.

Derby did ensure all of the points with Christie's late strike.

The Rams hit Villa on the break and Christie - after latching onto Deon Burton's through ball - slid his shot past Schmeichel to ensure Derby began their busy Christmas period with a morale boosting three points.

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Derby: Poom, Grenet (Bolder 65), Mawene, Riggott, Higginbotham, Boertien, Kinkladze (Burton 75), Ducrocq, Zavagno, Carbone (Christie 70), Ravanelli.

Subs Not Used: Oakes, Elliott.

Goals: Ravanelli 45, Carbone 67, Christie 87.

Aston Villa: Schmeichel, Samuel (Kachloul 45), Mellberg, Staunton, Wright, Stone, Boateng (Balaban 80), Merson, Barry (Hendrie 45), Angel, Dublin.

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Enckelman.

Booked: Hendrie.

Goals: Angel 45.

Att: 28,001

Ref: D Elleray (Harrow-on-the-Hill).