Derby v Leeds 17/08/96 3.00

Derby                   (0) 3 Leeds                   (1) 3 FT
Sturridge 77,88               Laursen 19 (og)
Simpson 78                    Harte 72
                              Bowyer 85

Dean Sturridge grabbed a last-gasp equaliser to give Premiership new boys Derby a deserved point and deny Ian Rush a winning start as Leeds skipper.

The Rams looked dead and buried after a early own goal from Danish international Jacob Laursen and a 72nd-minute drive from substitute Ian Harte put Howard Wilkinson's new-look side on course for three points.

But, in a breathtaking comeback, Derby pulled on level terms with two goals inside a minute.

Livewire striker Sturridge set the ball rolling in the 77th minute with a thunderous left-foot volley high into the net from 25 yards.

And there was barely time for the packed Baseball Ground crowd to blink before Rams substitute Paul Simpson got a lucky ricochet in a chase with Leeds keeper Nigel Martyn to grab a dramatic equaliser.

Seven minutes later, Lee Bowyer, a summer signing from Charlton, silenced the home crowd with an adept finish from eight yards from Rush's inch-perfect nod down.

But Jim Smith's side, who dominated for long spells with Sturridge a constant menace, were not finished.

There appeared little on after the ball was threaded through to County's livewire striker but in a flash he had turned inside Carlton Palmer and angled his drive past the despairing reach of Martyn.

It was no more than Derby deserved, with new signings Christian Dailly and Aljosa Asanovic both going close as the home side squandered several golden chances.

Derby: (5-3-2) Hoult, Rowett, C. Powell, Yates, Parker, Laursen (Flynn, 75), Dailly, Asanovic, D. Powell (Simpson, 75), Sturridge, Gabbiadini (Willems, 75).

Subs not used: Van Der Laan, Taylor.

Leeds: (5-3-2) Martyn, Kelly, Sharpe, Radebe (Wetherall, 89), Palmer, Jobson, Couzens (Tinkler, 87), Bowyer, Ford, Rush, Deane (Harte, 56).

Subs not used: Wallace, Beeney.

Booked: Ford, Radebe, Rush.

Attendance: 17,927.

Referee: P Danson (Leicester).