Bialkowski - 5: Below par performance from the Polish boy mountain who looked nervous on the big stage. Might have done better on the first goal, got a hand to the penalty and had a complete flap at a cross allowing Pearson an open goal which he failed to notice.
Ostlund - 6: Typically committed performance from Jesus who had a mixed bag in terms of distribution and defending with the back four under pressure from a route one Derby side. Hampered by an injury.
Pele - 4: Pele, Pele, Pele, what were you thinking? Criminal shirt tug on Pearson to gift Derby a penalty, even if it was outside the box. Hardly won a header all afternoon against Howard and looked all at sea after his glaring error. We have to get Darren Powell fit for the second leg, as his game is not suited to Derby's tactics.
Baird - 7: Kept the back line together under pressure, with trademark interceptions and a cool head, although his distribution was not up to par. Unlucky not to score with a header going into the bottom corner.
Bale - 6: Derby had a plan for the boy wonder which was to double team him and kick him at every opportunity. It worked with Gareth going off injured early in the second half. Decent delivery from set pieces but injury hindered his trademark runs forward. Was that a farewell wave as he was substituted? Given he was on crutches in the stands, it could well be.
Belmadi - 6: A mixed bag from the Algerian wizard who struggled to keep our shape in midfield against a well organised Derby side. He also showed why he is in the team with two glorious passes to setup Saganowski only to see the Pole fire against the bar both times.
Guthrie - 6: The stage was set for the Liverpool youngster and he failed to live up to his usual high standards. Outshone by former Saint Matt Oakley, he couldn't get enough of the ball to play his usual pass and move game.
Viafara - 7: Vital to have the Columbian in the side on a difficult afternoon for the engine room. Some typically wayward passing, but did a huge amount of work closing down the Derby midfield.
Surman - 7: Peach of a finish into the top left corner that left you wondering why he doesn't score more often for Saints. Showed his usual intelligence in attack and put in the hard work in defence, but was up against it in midfield at times.
Saganowski - 7: Fully fit he would have taken one if not both golden chances that he whacked against the bar. Odds on to score at Derby as his combination of clever movement and skill on the ball opened them up on several occasions.
Jones - 8: Great performance from Kenwyne which had everything bar goals. Proved a real menace to the muscular Derby defence and was Saints' out ball nearly every time, meaning Saints struggled to hold onto possession after Derby had kicked him off the pitch. Went for power over placement on his one real chance, when a cooler head was required.
Substitutes
Skacel - 6: Team performance from Rudi out of position at left back. Forced to curb his attacking instincts, he worked hard to stay in position and defend. Sent a late free kick into the wall when well placed.
Best - 6: Not the same force without Kenwyne doing some of the targetman work alongside him. Worked hard though and did well to retain possession under pressure. No real chances to show his poaching ability.
Rasiak - 6: If you're going to bring him on this late, why bring him on at all? Champing at the bit to get his place back in the side and well up for it against his old club, he was simply not given enough time to make an impression.