Rams warm up for Carling semi-final with Cup war

Derby County geared up for Wednesday’s League Cup semi-final first-leg clash with a ninety-minute war against Conference side Forest Green Rovers. The managerless Rams booked their place in the fourth round of the F.A Cup thanks to an incredible 4-3 win against their unlucky non-league opponents.

The Rams can class themselves hugely lucky to have won at the New Lawn. Conference strugglers Forest Green dominated the opening stages and raced into a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Jonathan Smith and Alex Lawless.

However, Rob Hulse and Martin Albrechtsen levelled things up as Derby snatched two goals moments before the interval.

The under-dogs regained their lead through Paul Stonehurst, but Derby dodged an upset as Paul Green restored parity and Steve Davies converted a penalty at the death. Darren Jones was dismissed for FGR.

Derby recently parted company with manager Paul Jewell and will head into Wednesday's League Cup tie battered and bruised after this incredible cup clash.

Elsewhere, Hartlepool United dumped Stoke out of the Cup, Kettering beat Eastwood Town, Torquay stunned Blackpool and Bristol City earned a replay with holders Portsmouth following a nil-nil draw at Fratton Park.

Southend United, however, perhaps achieved the result of the day as they claimed a famous 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge. Peter Clarke netted a last-gasp equaliser after Salomon Kalou had given the London club the lead