ROOFE, PIETERS CALLED UP TO HELP WITH A NUMBER OF INJURIES IN CAMP

DERBY County began their preseason campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Matlock Town before they fly to Austria for their summer tour.

- By LEIGH CURTIS

In a game played in sweltering conditions, neither side created many chances as they toiled in the heat.

But it was Matlock who found the breakthrough in the second half when Jeremie Milambo was fouled by Cruz Allen, leaving Liam Ravenhill to score from the spot.

However, Derby were level right on full-time when Harry Hawkins bundled in after Jake Rooney won a far-post header from a right-wing free kick.

Derby head coach John Eustace named a different team for each half, with the strongest team available to him starting the opening 45 minutes.

New signing Danny Batth was included in the heart of the defence but Carlton Morris and Dajaune Brown were not included, as both strikers suffered from niggles.

Curtis Nelson, Joe Ward, Andi Weimann, Lars Jorgen-Salvesen and Kane Wilson were also absent as they recover from knee injuries.

With Derby having all their strikers unavailable, Kemar Roofe started the game up front, having been training with the club in recent weeks following his short-term deal last season.

The same went for Erik Pieters, who had an untroubled second half and made one appearance in his short-term deal last season.