IN NEIL’S HORROR SLUMP

defend we did, and we got stronger and better. This was definitely my most pleasing game.”

Norwich counterpart Alex Neil is beginning to feel the heat after the dramatic change in his side’s fortunes in recent weeks.

He said: “I’m getting a kick in the gut but I’m a big boy and will suck it up and go again. I have never been scared of the sack, it’s up to other people to decide.

“I’ve just seen the owner and Jez Moxey, our chief executive, and they know how hard I’m trying.”

Johnson was sold by Norwich last year and Neil insists there are no hard feelings We had to do a lot of dirty work k but I can’t remember Jason n Steele making too many saves s against a side which will go onn to win the Championship.” following the player’s £6million departure to the East Midlands.

When it came to referee Simon Hooper, however, Neil was not nearly as forgiving – claiming that the official was wrong to deny two penalty decisions.

He was particularly incensed at a challenge on Jacob Murphy by Chris Baird right at the death. Neil added: “It was a definite penalty. There was nothing in the game, then we get beaten by a deflected strike outside the box.

“The match has been decided by a bit of fortune.”

Derby were tight at the back, stubborn in Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 45% 55% 3 2 4 3 5 3 5 1 5 16 0 1 2 2 0 0 Possession 66% 34% Shots On Target 2 2 Shots Off Target 8 4 Blocked Shots 4 4 Corners 8 9 Fouls Conceded 11 9 Offsides 4 5 Yellow Cards 1 3 Red Cards 0 0 midfield and worked their socks off. And they had to scrap against a Norwich side in freefall.

The crucial moment came after a Will Hughes run was stopped, the ball squirted to Johnson, who responded instantly.

Johnson’s celebrations were muted in respect to his former employers, but the goal could have serious consequences for Neil.

His side could not respond and it was Derby who almost scored again when keeper John Ruddy denied Tom Ince.