DERBY 1 (Ward 67), UNITED 0

Derby: Fielding, Brayford, Roberts, Bryson, Barker, Shackell, Tyson (Robinson 65), Ward, Ball (O'Brien 90), Bailey, Green. Subs: O'Brien, Davies, Legzdins, Priskin.

United: Lonergan, Lees (Connolly 43), Kisnorbo, O'Dea, White (Nunez 74), Snodgrass, Brown, Clayton, Pugh, McCormack, Becchio (Keogh 68). Subs: Vayrynen, McCarthy.

Referee: T Bates

Booked: Barker (Derby), Becchio, Brown (Leeds)

Att: 33,010 (4,172 Leeds)

United boss Simon Grayson made only one change to his starting line-up for the Boxing Day clash with Derby, central defender Darren O'Dea replacing Paul Connolly, Tom Lees moving to right back.

Having p;icked up one point from a possible six, United were looking to kick-off the festive period on a good note, and Aidy White forced a corner inside three minutes after capitalising on a mistake. O'Dea saw his header blocked from the set-play before Michael Brown drilled a shot wide.

Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding was also called upon to punch clear when Snodgrass whipped an early free-kick in the box, while at the other end, Adam Clayton did well to cut out one threatening ball into the box from the home side.

Danny Pugh also made a timely block to deny Paul Green when Derby threatened again, and when a well placed Nathan Tyson had an opportunity, he shot straight into the arms of Andy Lonergan.

Fielding was the next goalkeeper to be called upon when he had to make a full stretch dive to turn a long range effort from Ross McCormack around the post.

It was the post that came to United's rescue on 22 minutes when Jamie Ward smashed a shot against the upright and Lonergan also had to save from Tyson after the Derby striker latched onto a long ball forward and found the space to head for goal.

Tempers flared a little on the half-hour, they had been simmering from the off, when Derby felt they had claims for a penalty, and the hosts were even more frustrated moments ;later when Leeds attacked and Snodgrass won a free-kick right on the edge of the box.

The Scot whipped in another great strike and Fielding had to be alert to tip his shot over the bar. From the corner, Luciano Becchio got up well but headed over the bar.

Five minutes before the interval Lonergan was tested again when he smothered a low strike from Ward.

Shortly before half-time, Grayson made an enforced substitution when Lees, who appeared to take a blow moments earlier, was replaced by Connolly in a like-for-like change.

Derby had a couple of early raids in the second half, but both O'Dea and Lonergan averted the danger before Gareth Roberts screwed a shot wide.

In reply, Paddy Kisnorbo sent a glancing header just over Fielding's bar and McCormack and Snodgrass both came within a whisker of getting a head on a Pugh cross.

Pugh also tested Fielding with a stinging drive after some great work on the edge of the box by Snodgrass and as the game past the hour mark Leeds slowly looked to be taking a grip on proceedings.

On 65 minutes, the United players surrounded referee Tony Bates after claiming a handball, but the official was having none of it.

And Derby found themselves in front on 67 minutes courtesy of Jamie Ward. Lonergan made a superb block to deny the Derby man after a quick break, but he shaped himself well to drill the rebound into the far corner.

Grayson made an immediate change for Leeds with Andy Keogh replacing Becchio, and the Irishman almost had a quick chance to profit, but for a vital defensive touch after McCormack looked to release his strike partner.

Ramon Nunez was next to be introduced when he came on for White with 16 minutes left on the clock.

The Honduran was involved at the very start of an attack that saw Clayton lift the ball into the box before some desperate defending kept United at bay. Fielding also got down well to deny Snodgrass with a low shot.

United were throwing men forward in search of an equaliser, although there was the risk of Derby exploiting space left at the back as Leeds pushed on into the final six minutes of the game.

A Snodgrass free-kick had to be cleared and Derby's challenges became a little rasher in the final minutes. From a

Goalkeeper Fielding made two good saves on 87 minutes to deny Leeds the equaliser. First he saved from McCormack then reacted well to deny Keogh who was following up.

Fielding also did well to tip a Nunez effort over the top in the final minute before a powerful effort from Kisnorbo was somehow prevented from crossing the line.

It was a game United certainly didn't deserve to lose, but the home side were riding their luck during the final stages as Derby held on for the win.