Leeds outclass Derby

Robbie Fowler hurt his hip in the first half

Derby County 0-1 Leeds United
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Lee Bowyer condemned Derby to a seventh successive defeat as Leeds ran out comfortable winners at Pride Park.

The defeat represents the worst run of any Derby manager this season as John Gregory's team - contemplating life in the First Division - were undone by the drive of Bowyer.

In a low-key game Leeds and England suffered a nervous few minutes in the first-half when Robbie Fowler limped off after stumbling innocuously.

But the England striker was later confirmed to have only suffered bruising to the hip.

The game came to life - briefly - courtesy of Bowyer's stunning goal - only his second since the turn of the year.

  Key moment

16 mins: Bowyer gives Leeds the lead and the three points

Bowyer's initial through ball was controlled by Alan Smith on his chest, who then flicked over his own head and back into the path of the midfielder.

Bowyer motored into the area before delicately lofting the ball over Mart Poom, who was returning after three months on the sidelines with a finger injury.

Smith also hit the post for Leeds in the second half.

Then came that Fowler stumble when the former Liverpool striker crumpled in a heap in the Derby technical area.

Fowler's replacement was Robbie Keane, and the Republic of Ireland international should have doubled United's lead in the 26th minute.

Kewell's curling delivery into the heart of the six-yard box caused panic in the Derby defence.

And after the ball had just cleared the head of Eirik Bakke, Keane could only sidefoot wide from point-blank range.

Ball boy

It took a brilliant save from Poom in the 37th minute to deny Leeds a second.

Bowyer had sent Kewell away on a mesmerising run which culminated in a 20-yard left-foot drive which the Estonian keeper just managed to tip away.

Just after the restart Derby finally created their first worthwhile chance.

Derby are down and out

A cross from Adam Boulder, a half-time replacement for Giorgi Kinkladze was aimed towards Branko Strupar.

But although the rangey Belgian just managed to get his right foot to the ball as he slid into the six-yard box, it looped high into the air.

Strupar was later incensed by Gary Kelly throwing the ball at one of the ball boys.

The Belgian remonstrated with Graham Poll, but the referee took no action as neither he nor his assistant had seen the incident.

Boulder also drew the first save of the game from Nigel Martyn when his long-range header drew the England keeper into action.

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Derby: Poom, Barton, Higginbotham, Riggott, Jackson, Kinkladze (Bolder 45), Lee, Boertien, Morris (Evatt 21), Strupar (Robinson 76), Christie. Subs Not Used: Foletti, Murray. Booked: Boertien, Evatt.

Leeds: Martyn, Kelly, Ferdinand, Matteo, Harte, Bakke, Bowyer, Johnson, Kewell (Batty 87), Fowler (Keane 21), Smith. Subs Not Used: Robinson, Wilcox, Richardson.

Attendance: 30,705.

Referee: G Poll (Tring).