In Central Division Two, Derby County ‘B’ narrowly edged a 7-goal thriller at home to league leaders West Brom thanks to a 4-3 victory.

The Rams made a great start to the game when their no. 7 slid the ball home past the goalkeeper from close range after a low driven cross from the left wing into the box. Just before the ten minute mark, the same player was fouled inside the area by the West Brom keeper, and the referee pointed to the spot, but the Rams’ no.10 put the subsequent penalty wide.

However, shortly before the half hour mark, he no.10 atoned for his earlier penalty miss by doubling his team’s lead with a deft and dinked finish.

At the other end, West Brom’s no.10 pulled a goal back for his side thanks to a lovely curling finish from just outside the box. Shortly after the interval, Derby’s no.7 scored a cheeky Panenka penalty after the West Brom no.4 punched his goal-bound effort off the goal line beforehand.

The visitors pulled another goal back moments later when a header from their no.11 trickled in off the post. Derby then responded to that by doubling their lead for the second time in the game when the no.6 scored a lovely and measured side-foot half volley from outside the area.

After a period of fisticuffs on the pitch, West Brom scored what proved to be only a consolation goal with minutes left to play when their no.9 poked the ball home from close range.

Elsewhere, in Central Division One, Derby County ‘A’ were 3-1 winners at home to Shrewsbury Town.