DERBY HIT THE HEIGHTS UNDER LOWE

David Lowe created a piece of football history last night as Kris Commons kept Derby’s Carling Cup dream alive.

Derby Academy manager Lowe took charge of the semi final clash with Manchester United and today hands over the reins to Nigel Clough boasting a 100 per cent record as ‘boss’.

Played 1; Won 1; Goals conceded 0 – not a bad little stat to add to the CV, especially when you consider the opponents, who were completely outplayed for most of an enthralling match.

But David was happy to keep a Lowe profile after the 1-0 win, and said: “This is not about David Lowe; it’s about the players and the coaching staff who have worked their socks off over the last few days.”

United were under the cosh from the outset as Derby, who totally belied their Championship form, created chances from start to finish. Even Sir Alex admitted: “We could have lost by four.”

In the end, it was Commons’ cracker in the first half that separated the two teams and Fergie, magnanimous in defeat, conceded: “We were lucky to lose by just one goal. This is a fantastic result for us.”

It was only Fergie’s second defeat in 22 domestic semi finals as United boss, and the victory was no more than Derby deserved as new manager Clough looked on in admiration.

Rob Hulse missed a glorious chance late on to give the Rams a two-goal cushion and Sir Alex added: “We were so bad and Derby will rue the fact they didn't score more.

"But we expect to recover from a 1-0 deficit against anyone at Old Trafford and I am sure we will. The only positive to take from the game is the fact we only lost 1-0. It was a fantastic result for us considering the performance,"

Derby raised their game to a whole new level and threatened the United goal on numerous occasions. Even when Fergie brought on the big guns – Rooney and Ronaldo – in the second half, the Derby defence held firm (just) and they continued to create chances.

Caretaker boss for the night Lowe added: “That was down to sheer hard work, sheer enthusiasm and sheer passion. And when we had the ball we played some decent stuff too.

"It was a big overall performance from everyone really. We worked hard on the training pitch and got our rewards. Now we have set that standard we have to maintain it and take it into our Championship campaign.

"They can enjoy this victory by all means, but preparation for Cardiff on Saturday starts tomorrow and that is what they must recreate."