Historic defeat in the Carling Cup

Carling Cup
By Match Reporter
August 12 2003

Derby County create some unwanted Cup History in tonights Carling Cup competition. They had never in their long history lost in the first round of this competition. The loss to Third Division Huddesfield is yet another embarresment that their long suffering fans have to endure

Derby County are out of the Carling Cup (League Cup) in the first round for the first time in their history. Another shambolic display leaves fans in utter desperation.

The game started fairly well for the travelling Rams and just before the half time took the lead with a headed goal by Ian Taylor after a flick on by Tom Huddleston. Going in ahead at half time was a rare treat for the Derby side and confidence must have been high as they took to the field for the second half.
The confidence last all of 15 minutes as poor defending from a corner, one of the Rams weaknesses in recent seasons, led to Stead scoring with a header following a corner.

The Rams tried but failed to impose themselves on the home. It was inevitable that Huddersfield, a third division side, were going to take the game and they duly obliged scoring their important second goal. Thorpington scoring again from a header after yet more poor Rams defensive work in the 70th minute.

Loyal fans have now had enough as they endure yet another embarrassing defeat to lower league opposition. They are set for a season of misery if the commitment and skill level on the pitch does not improve very quickly. George Burley has stated that things will not be turned round over night but at the current rate of decline the Rams will be relegated to the second division by Christmas.