Source: Team_Talk
Rams win knocks Toon off top spot
The Magpies arrived at Pride Park on a club-record 15-game unbeaten run but they were outclassed and outfought by a team that has breathed new life into its relegation fight.[LNB]Derby, still on the crest of a wave from their victory over rivals Nottingham Forest, were rewarded for their first-half dominance when Rob Hulse headed them in front five minutes before the break.[LNB]Kris Commons doubled the advantage from the penalty spot before the hour mark and Shaun Barker completed the rout soon afterwards.[LNB]It was Newcastle's first league defeat since losing 2-1 at Scunthorpe on October 20, and West Brom's home win over the Iron saw them replace the Magpies at the summit.[LNB]Derby started brightly with Stephen Pearson causing problems down the left.[LNB]The Scot twice found space inside the opening five minutes.[LNB]Hulse was inches away from connecting with a low, teasing cross as he stretched in front of goal before Commons headed another centre straight at Stephen Harper from six yards out.[LNB]It took Newcastle until the half-hour mark to threaten Stephen Bywater's goal, and the promotion hopefuls were given more than a helping hand.[LNB]Nicky Hunt gave the ball away to Jonas Gutierrez midway inside his own half - it was the second time the on-loan Bolton right-back had casually gifted the Argentina international possession in a dangerous area.[LNB]Gutierrez got to the byline and his cross was headed narrowly past the near post by Derby defender Barker.[LNB]County captain Robbie Savage escaped with just a yellow card for a typically robust challenge on Wayne Routledge after 37 minutes.[LNB]The former Wales international let the ball run away from him and always looked certain to catch Routledge late as the winger beat him to the ball.[LNB]Three minutes later Derby deservedly went ahead when Hulse rose unmarked inside the six-yard box to head home Commons pinpoint cross.[LNB]But Newcastle responded well and created two good chances in the space of as many minutes before the break.[LNB]Kevin Nolan's through-ball sent Routledge clear down the right side of the box but his driven shot was blocked by the advancing Bywater.[LNB]The Derby keeper then pushed Nolan's volley behind at his near post after the Toon skipper burst into the area.[LNB]Newcastle carried the momentum into the second half and had the ball in the net inside a minute of the restart.[LNB]Andy Carroll headed home Routledge's cross but referee Anthony Taylor had already blown for a foul on the winger.[LNB]Hunt then bravely blocked a goalbound effort from his former Bolton team-mate Nolan.[LNB]However, Derby survived the storm and extended their lead in the 59th minute.[LNB]Pearson's through-ball sent Michael Tonge clear. The on-loan Stoke midfielder had taken the ball too wide but he was bundled over by Gutierrez inside the area.[LNB]Commons coolly sent Harper the wrong way from the spot.[LNB]Four minutes later, Newcastle failed to clear a corner and when the ball was lifted back into the area, Barker turned it in from six yards.[LNB]Hughton immediately brought on Shola Ameobi, Peter Lovenkrands and Alan Smith but his side failed to break down a dogged Derby defence.[LNB][LNB]
