DERBY COUNTY 1, SUNDERLAND 0

SUNDERLAND slumped to their second Premiership defeat in the space of four days with a disappointing display against struggling Derby County at Pride Park.

Ten players were booked - seven from the home side - by Orpington referee Barry Knight in an untidy game spoilt by petty fouls and dissent.

Derby's winning goal in the 42nd minute had an element of luck about it as a miss-hit pass from substitute Adam Murray caught the Sunderland defence off-blance and when Rory Delap centred from the right Craig Burley drove home a low right foot shot from 15 yards.

Sunderland missed a glorious chance to equalise in the 53rd minute when Scottish international Don Hutchison fired wide from a totally unmarked position eight yards out, but Derby hit the post in the 67th minute through Burley and also scorned two late chances after Deon Burton and Lee Morris broke clear in the last five minutes.