DERBY’S deep financial strife and the growing unrest of their supporters was matched by the bankruptcy of this game.

Striker Danny Graham missed a glorious opportunity to secure a much-needed win for his team, but County’s financial state and the home supporters’ hatred of the board, who have presided over a growth in debt from £30m to £44m, produced a poisonous atmosphere. Protests were held outside the ground before and after the game and fans chanted “Board out,” at regular intervals.

Only one league win in 10 since December 3 has brought the Rams perilously close to the relegation zone. Acting manager Terry Westley was without Inigo Idiakez as well as injured duo Seth Johnson and Michael Johnson, and Paul Peschisolido, whose wife Karren Brady is ill. As a result, they struggled to impose themselves on the game to any productive effect.

Leeds were not a great deal more threatening, despite their dominance of possession. Liam Miller played well in midfield but they failed to utilise the potential of Eddie Lewis on the left flank. From one of his crosses early on, they created the best opportunity of the first half. Robbie Blake was on the end of it and his shot from close-range ricocheted fortuitously off Darren Moore on to the top of the net.

The visitors needed someone to support Miller and Jonathan Douglas did his best along Leeds’s right flank. But their frustration grew as the game staggered into the second half and still they failed to make the most of the chances they created. A free kick by Gary Kelly was headed over by Rob Hulse and they almost paid for their profligacy when Graham was put through one-on-one with Neil Sullivan, but the keeper denied him with a smart save.

STAR MAN: Liam Miller (Leeds United)

Player ratings. Derby County: Camp 6, Edworthy 6, Hajto 6, Moore 6, Jackson 5 (Doyle 61min, 5), Bisgaard 6 (Holmes 74min, 5), Bolder 6, Barnes 6, Smith 6, El Hamdaoui 6, Graham 5 (Peschisolido 74min, 5)

Leeds United: Sullivan 6, Kelly 6, Butler 6, Gregan 6, Crainey 6, Douglas 6, Miller 7, Derry 6, Lewis 6 (Pugh 89min, 5), Hulse 6, Blake 6 (Moore 71min, 5)

Referee: P Dowd

Attendance: 27,000 Derby0

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