Carlisle's header destroys Derby's unbeaten record
Derby County 1 Watford
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Phil Brown was sent from the dug-out in Saturday's draw at Burnley and raced angrily along the touchline in protest at the late goal that yesterday cost Derby County the Championship's last unbeaten record.
It was not the decisive header by Watford skipper Clarke Carlisle that raised the heckles - it was the fact the assistant referee raised his flag then lowered it as Anthony McNamee swung over an 87th minute free-kick harshly awarded against Seth Johnson.
Brown challenged the referee Clive Penton at the final whistle as Derby's players left in fury, even if Watford deserved their points.
The Derby manager has taken unusual steps in addressing his side's poor home record, insisting on no more Mr Nice Guy. Just look at the macho poses of players and management in the programme.
Brown admits the posturing is aimed at making match-days more gladiatorial. Alas, with Grzegorz Rasiak isolated in attack, Derby only had one blade between them. Even after Adam Bolder's fourth minute goal, the midfielder driving home after Rasiak's cross had been helped back by Jeff Kenna, they were second best.
Watford took a long while to graft any threat onto promising approach work but McNamee's angled shot was blocked on the line by Andrew Davies just before half-time and Michael Johnson did likewise from Ashley Young's lob just after.
Then Richard Jackson caught the clean-through James Chambers from behind 12 yards out in the 57th minute.
Although the left-back's sending-off on his 100th Derby appearance was followed by a scuffed Marlon King penalty against the post, the escape was short-lived as Matthew Spring shot high and wide of Lee Camp for the equaliser.
"When I came here, I thought Anthony was in the under-12s,'' said Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd. "He has had a couple of years in the wilderness but is a menace with his tricks and movement."
Brown said; "The officials got the major decisions wrong. I hope the referee will go home and look at the video.''
Derby County (4-5-1) Camp; Kenna, Davies, Michael Johnson, Jackson; Bisgaard, Bolder (Peschisolido, 90), Idiakez, Thirlwell, Smith (Seth Johnson, 59); Rasiak (Tudgay, 76). Substitutes not used: Grant (gk), Mills
Watford (4-5-1): Foster; Doyley, Carlisle, Mackay, Chambers (Bouazza, 65); Young, Bangura, Spring, Blizzard (Stewart, 82), McNamee; King. Substitutes not used: Chamberlain (gk), Demerit, Mariappa
Referee: C Penton (Sussex).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments