Derby County faced Southampton at St Mary’s this afternoon – here’s how we rated John Eustace’s players
Brian Dick Reach Football Correspondent
17:03, 11 Apr 2026
Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis (centre) scores
Derby County’s play-off hopes took a potentially terminal hit as Southampton produced a stirring second half comeback to pull six points clear of the Rams.
John Eustace‘s side put in an excellent first half display, defending well and taking the lead when Carlton Morris pounced for his 12th goal of the season.
However, Saints’ quality eventually proved too much as Leo Scienza and Taylor Harwood-Bellis struck in quick succession to record a 2-1 win and move six points clear of their opponents. With four games remaining the top six looks a stretch for Derby.
The Rams arrived without key attackers Ben Brereton Diaz and Patrick Agyemang and lost Bobby Clark to injury inside eight minutes.
But they battled hard in the first half and despite surviving long spells of pressure actually went in a goal up at the break.
That might have come in the first quarter hour when Max Johnston, in for his first start in more than five months, was released down the left by Morris. The full back opted to go for the near post but poked his shot harmlessly wide.
Midway through the first half Caspar Jander dispossessed David Ozoh on half-way then raced forward, exchanging passes with Ross Stewart before releasing a weak attempt that dribbled through to Richard O’Donnell.
The breakthrough came seven minutes before the interval when Finn Azaz gave away a sloppy corner. Joe Ward swung it over, it was touched on to the back post where Morris was on hand to volley home.
The match turned on its head in the second half though as Southampton came out a far better prospect and scored twice in seven minutes.
First the equaliser came with a sweeping counter attack when Azaz fed Scienza on the left. The Brazilian had time and space to come in on to his left foot and curl a precise finish inside O’Donnell’s far post.
The second was far more avoidable, Ryan Manning lifted over a 69th minute free kick and Harwood-Bellis escaped Sanderson to head powerfully home from 12 yards.
O’Donnell 6
Had a few crosses to deal with in the first half and a couple of weak shots but wasn’t particularly tested. Southampton found their quality in the second half though and O’Donnell couldn’t do anything to stop either goal.
Ward 7
Up against the dangerous Scienza it was Ward who went into the break with a goal involvement to his name. Had lots of questions asked of him and he did very well until the Brazilian finally wore him down and bagged an equaliser.
Sanderson 6.5
Not bad in the opening 45 but he had a couple of wobbly moments, giving away a needless corner and struggling to cope with the powerful Ross Stewart. Picked up a booking and won’t be pleased the space he gave Harwood-Bellis for the second goal. Battled well, though.
Clarke 8*
Southampton sent over 23 crosses in the first half – and it felt like Clarke headed 80 per cent of them away. Such a solid performance, he really didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
Johnston 6.5
First start since October, on the wrong side and with inexperienced help in front of him. The Scot battled hard to contain Fellows and did well before being replaced by Forsyth. A promising return.
Ozoh 6.5
A strong first period but he nearly got caught out, losing the ball on halfway and failing to stop Caspar Jander from breaking free and shooting. Ozoh put in an industrious and determined display before being subbed.
Travis 7
Flew around, clattering into tackles, making sure there was no easy way through the middle of the park. It was hard work in the second half though.
Banel 5.5
One bright moment when he took down O’Donnell’s punt forward and was able to get off a shot. Wasteful at other times. Derby didn’t have many openings and Banel wasted too many.
Szmodics 6
Buzzed about in the first 45 and tugged at the seams of the defence without really tearing through. Didn’t really feature in the second half as the Saints took control.
Clark 6
Not what the Rams needed. Stationed on the left Clark helped out Johnston in defence before pulling up with what looked like a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Fraulo after nine minutes.
Morris 7
Got zero help from the referee, wrestling with two centre backs but gave his side a real focal point and a 12th goal of the season. It was a bit hit and hope in the second period but Morris never stopped fighting.
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Substitutions
Fraulo (for Clark, 9) Worked hard, playing on the left and then in the middle but he was up against real quality. 5.5
Forsyth (Johnston, 66) Did OK in difficult circumstances 6
Langas (for Ozoh, 66) Found Edozie a handful 5
Eames (for Banel, 66) On the fringes of the game 5
Salvesen (Travis, 84) N/A
Not used: Vickers, Batth, Gordon, Allen
Opposition
Southampton (4-2-3-1): Peretz; Bree (Wood 87), Harwood-Bellis, Stephens, Manning; Downes, Jander; Fellows (Matsuki 63), Azaz (Charles 75), Scienza (Edozie 75); Stewart (Larin 63). Subs: Long, Wellington, Bragg, Archer
Goals
Saints: Scienza (62), Harwood-Bellis (69)
Rams: Morris (39)
Attendance: 31,206
Referee: Andrew Kitchen
What did you make of Rams’ display? Have your say
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