Everton hold off Derby

Stubbs is mobbed after scoring Everton's second

Derby County 3-4 Everton
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Everton's revival under new manager David Moyes continued in dramatic style in a thriller against relegation rivals Derby County at Pride Park.

The Merseysiders twice led by three goals - but were left hanging on at the final whistle as John Gregory's side staged a stirring fightback.

The players have not had too many Saturday nights where they can remember winning and now they have had two on the trot where they can feel good about themselves

Everton manager David Moyes

Everton did the real damage with a three-goal burst either side of half-time to ease their relegation fears and leave Derby deep in trouble.

David Unsworth, Alan Stubbs and Niclas Alexandersson put Everton in control, but Derby substitute Branko Strupar gave them hope when he pulled a goal back.

Duncan Ferguson restored Everton's advantage, but a late Derby rally brough goals from Lee Morris and Strupar to set up a grandstand finale.

Unsworth celebrates with Gemmill after scoring

Everton deservedly held on to claim three priceless points in their battle to avoid the drop.

The opening 45 minutes was a predictable scrap, and a triumph of perspiration over inspiration, between two sides under new management.

Everton tried their luck with long range efforts, but they suffered a blow after 23 minutes when former Derby star Lee Carsley limped off with a knee injury after a challenge by Luciano Zavagno.

But Everton broke the deadlock seven minutes before half-time when Unsworth was on target for the second week in succession.

Thomas Gravesen supplied the pass and Unsworth fired a left-foot drive past Patrick Foletti from 20 yards.

  Drama at Pride Park

38mins: David Unsworth fires Everton ahead.

52mins: Alan Stubbs' stunning free-kick doubles Everton's lead.

55mins: Niclas Alexandersson puts Everton 3-0 ahead.

56mins: Branko Strupar pulls a goal back for Derby.

79mins: Duncan Ferguson restores Everton's three-goal cushion.

76mins: Lee Morris cuts the deficit for Derby.

81mins: Strupar's diving header set Everton's nerves jangling.

And Everton, with a wretched away record and struggling to score goals all season, were in dreamland with two quick strikes just after the interval.

Stubbs struck home a stunning long-range free-kick after 52 minutes - and they extended their lead even further two minutes later.

Unsworth's clearance was picked up by Tomasz Radzinski whose cross was sliced by Ferguson, but substitute Alexandersson was on hand to score.

Derby boss Gregory had thrown on Strupar in desperation, and reaped instant rewards when he quickly volleyed the Rams back into contention.

Everton appeared to have finally pocketed the points with 19 minutes left when another sweeping attack ended with Alexandersson setting up Ferguson for a precision strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

With the pressure on the old habits started to appear again

Derby manager John Gregory

Derby looked down and out - but launched a magnificent fightback to snatch at the unlikeliest of lifelines.

Morris prodded home a close range finish to put Everton on edge - and their nerves were jangling with nine minutes remaining when Strupar was on target again.

But Everton survived to leave Moyes with a 100% record.

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Derby: Foletti, Barton, Higginbotham, Riggott, Zavagno (Strupar 55), O'Neil, Lee, Boertien, Kinkladze, Ravanelli, Christie (Morris 45).
Subs Not Used: Elliott, Grant, Grenet.

Booked: Zavagno, O'Neil.

Everton: Simonsen, Hibbert, Stubbs (Clarke 83), Weir, Unsworth, Gemmill, Carsley (Alexandersson 29), Gravesen, Blomqvist, Ferguson, Radzinski (Campbell 58).
Subs Not Used: Gerrard, Linderoth.

Booked: Campbell, Ferguson, Hibbert.

Att: 33,297

Ref: N Barry (Scunthorpe).