Whilst circumstances currently mean there’s no live football to enjoy, dcfc.co.uk is delving into the archives to feature a photograph from Derby County’s illustrious history.
Every day for the foreseeable future, we’ll provide you an image each day for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.
Derby County 3-3 Leeds United (17th August 1996)
Following a five-year spell away from English football’s top flight, Derby County made their return in the 1996/97 season after Jim Smith guided the Rams to automatic promotion in his first season in charge.
A tasty fixture awaited in their first ever Premier League game, after the league’s formation four years earlier with the Rams set to host their old rivals Leeds United.
There was a rude awakening to life in the Premier League as Jacob Laursen scored an own goal on his debut inside 20 minutes at the Baseball Ground. However, it wasn’t until the final 20 minutes that the game came alive.
Leeds looked to take all three points when Ian Harte extended the lead in the 72nd minute, but the Rams had other ideas.
Dean Sturridge became Derby’s first Premier League scorer five minutes later with a stunning strike from the edge of the box.
Within ten seconds of the restart, Paul Simpson drew Derby level when he took on the Leeds goalkeeper and saw the ball roll through to the back of the net.
The stunning turn around looked to be quashed when Leeds regained the lead through Lee Bowyer with five minutes left to play.
However, another quick reaction from the Rams, and Sturridge, saw Derby equalise again in the 88th minute to earn a point.
Look out for tomorrow’s Snapshot in Time across dcfc.co.uk – and remember you can suggest an image by getting in touch via the club’s social media channels.
