Derby County 0 West Ham 1
By Our man at the Match
October 5 2003
A very unlucky Rams side saw their five match unbeaten run ended in the dying seconds of their match against West Ham United. Rams keeper blames poor defending for the defeat after pulling off two world class saves during the match.

Rams 0 Hammers 1

A superb team display was ruined yesterday as the Rams slumped to yet another home defeat.

For large amounts of time Derby County competed well with last season’s Premiership boys but yet again one slip costs the Rams dearly. Derby passed the ball well and looked impressive for the TV cameras but were cruelly robbed of Strikers Mathias Svensson and Lee Morris, leaving Ian Taylor and Marcus Tudgay to try and score for the Rams.

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The goals didn’t materialise but never the less it looked like Derby were heading for a well-deserved point. West Ham spoiled Rams fans evenings, as substitute Don Hutchinson scored a very, very late winner for the Hammers.

Disappointed Rams keeper, Andy Oakes, who had made two world class saves earlier in the game blamed his defence for school-boy defending, something that has happened too often this season and usually in front of their own fans.

Derby must console themselves with the fact that they took one of this seasons promotion favourites nearly all the way and were unlucky to be defeated.

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