Only Stephen Darby, Robbie Threlfall and Charlie Barnett started both Friday's cup semi final with Southampton and this league game with Derby. Ryan Flynn, Paul Barratt and Craig Lindfield started against Southampton but were on the bench for this one, whilst Jimmy Ryan and Michael Nardiello were substitutes last Friday – but where handed starts against the Rams.
Liverpool started well and Nardiello had several early chances. However, midway through the first half Derby began to settle and they took the lead on the half hour mark after their striker shot past Liverpool goalie Paul Lancaster from inside the 18 yard box.
Liverpool improved in the second half and were unlucky not to score through Nardiello and Flynn but in the end were unable to grab what on the balance of play would have been an undeserved equaliser.