Howard double gives Rams the edge

Southampton 1-2 Derby:A Steve Howard double gave Derby a 2-1 win in the first leg of the Championship play-off semis at Southampton.

Billy Davies' Rams finished three places and nine points ahead of George Burley's Saints in the 46-game league season.

But the visitors fell behind after just seven minutes at St Mary's when Marek Saganowski laid the ball into the path of Andrew Surman, who steered home a sumptuous curling left-footed shot from 20 yards out.

Stephen Pearson headed wide and Howard's low strike drew a fine save from home keeper Bartosz Bialkowski as the Rams responded.

But the hosts were denied a penalty by referee Michael Jones when Tyrone Mears appeared to foul Kenwyne Jones in the 18-yard box.

It was nearly 2-0 on 27 minutes but Chris Baird's glancing header from Gareth Bale's free-kick flew inches wide.

And Davies' troops drew level on 36 when Matt Oakley's chip into the box allowed Howard to send a looping header into the back of the net.

The lively Saganowski crashed a fierce drive against the crossbar and Pearson flashed a shot narrowly wide before a thrilling half ended.

And it was Derby who made the better start to the second period, with Howard turning Pele inside out before lashing a 20-yard shot just wide.

Pele was having a poor game and gave away a crucial spot-kick on 57 minutes after tugging Pearson's shirt in the box. Howard coolly converted for his 19th goal of the season, proving he was a bargain signing after costing £1million when he joined from Luton.

More sloppy play from Pele allowed Jon Macken to rifle a 25-yard effort against the upright - but that served as a wake-up call for Saints, who piled on the pressure late on.

First Saganowski's goalbound shot was bravely blocked by Jay McEveley - then the Pole rattled the crossbar on 70 minutes with a close-range strike, before scissor-kicking a rebound over the bar.

Rudi Skacel wasted a free-kick on the edge of the area in stoppage time - but the Rams held on to gain a crucial advantage ahead of Tuesday night's second leg at Pride Park.