Derby County 1 Newcastle United 0: There was a sense of disappointment among Derby County fans when it emerged that Kenny Miller would be the club's sole purchase on transfer-deadline day but frustration turned to euphoria here as the Scotland international, upstaging Michael Owen, marked his debut with a sublime goal that lifts Billy Davies's side off the bottom of the table and condemns Newcastle, unconvincing and lacklustre, to a first defeat under Sam Allardyce.
Miller managed only four goals in 25 Premiership appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers but the wonderful shot he arced over the head of Stephen Harper here suggests a period with Celtic has improved his confidence.
The two recent England games appeared to do the same for Owen but there was no continuation of recent form. Owen had touched the ball 14 times when he was substituted with 34 minutes remaining. The striker headed straight for the tunnel.
Those expecting anything other than an away win had paid little attention to the form guide. Derby's first five Premiership matches had brought only one point to accompany a deluge of goals - 15 of them in their own net.
With 39 minutes gone the breakthrough Davies coveted arrived, Miller spearing a breathtaking 25-yard shot beyond Harper. Bywater's long punt upfield was misjudged by Geremi, Steve Howard helped the ball on and Miller, looking up briefly before propelling the ball goalbound with his right boot, nonchalantly did the rest.
DERBY:Bywater, Mears, Leacock, Davis, Griffin, Teale, Oakley, Pearson, Lewis (McEveley 87), Howard, Miller (Feilhaber 80). Subs Not Used: Jones, Earnshaw, Todd. Booked: Mears, Oakley. Goals: Miller 39.
NEWCASTLE:Harper, Taylor (Beye 75), Cacapa, Rozehnal, N'Zogbia, Smith, Geremi (Faye 60), Butt, Milner, Owen (Martins 55), Ameobi. Subs Not Used: Given, Pattison.m Booked: Smith, Butt, N'Zogbia.
Referee: Peter Walton (Northamptonshire).