A goal in each half sent Derby to defeat in Holland as close-range efforts from TOP Oss's Thijssen and Fachtali did the damage.

The encounter in Nistelrode, the Rams' first pre-season friendly ahead of 2008/09, was one of few serious chances at either end but was a beneficial run-out for all involved.

Despite a huge downpour that meant conditions were tricky from the off, Derby started brightly and looked dangerous down the flanks with Mile Sterjovski and Steve Davies heavily involved.

There were also promising signs of the link-up between Nathan Ellington and Tito Villa but Paul Jewell's side were caught out five minutes before half-time when Thijssen netted.

The goal was perhaps against the run of play given that Roy Carroll had been pretty much untroubled up to that point.

Carroll was replaced by Stephen Bywater for the second period, while half-time also saw Paul Connolly take over from Tyrone Mears, Jay McEveley come on for Jordan Stewart, Mile Sterjovski went off for Gary Teale, Liam Dickinson was on for Villa, while skipper Robbie Savage was replaced by Stephen Pearson.

But it was a defender - Martin Albrechtsen - who had the Rams' best chance of the second half with a bullet-header from a Teale corner that was superbly saved by the Oss keeper.

By that point, however, Derby were two goals behind after another close-range finish, this time by Fachtali.

Derby showed positives throughout the game and of great benefit will be the first chance for the players - particularly the new-boys - to get out on the field and show what they can do.

The Rams next find themselves in action away to Burton Albion on Wednesday July 16.

DERBY: Roy Carroll (Stephen Bywater HT), Tyrone Mears (Paul Connolly HT), Martin Albrechtsen, Jordan Stewart (Jay McEveley HT), Mile Sterjovski (Gary Teale HT), Robbie Savage (Stephen Pearson HT), Dean Leacock, Steve Davies, Nathan Ellington, Tito Villa (Liam Dickinson HT).