Osman strike kills off Derby

A very drab game between Everton and Derby finished in 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Leon Osman in the 56th minute. Derby; already relegated from the Premiership, were battling purely for pride as Everton moved back to within 3 points of Liverpool.

The dull first half had very few opportunities, with Nigerian striker Yakubu going the closest in the fifteenth minute, but missed from close range.

Roy Carroll and Tim Howard found themselves having very little to do in the first half.

David Moyes was forced to call on a tactical reshuffle to ensure that the side could get the win, and Leon Osman moved in field from his left wing berth into the forward role alongside Yakubu.

Osman's move up field paid dividends as Manuel Fernandes crossed well for Leon Osman who ran untracked and drilled the ball superbly past Roy Carroll.

Osman had a couple of other chances to extend the lead, but the game would end up finishing 1-0. Derby did rally towards the end for an unlikely point, but Everton held on.