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 for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.
Derby’s First Competitive Game At Pride Park Falls Victim To Floodlight Failure
Pictured here is a Pride Park Stadium on 13th August 1997 as Derby County’s first-ever competitive fixture at their new home fell victim to a floodlight failure.
The inaugural game, a Premiership fixture against Wimbledon, was forced to be called off with Derby 2-1 to the good after the lights went out in the 11th minute of the second half.
Referee Uriah Rennie abandoned the match following a delay of more than half-an-hour while engineers tried unsuccessfully to restart two failed generators.
Derby, managed by Jim Smith, had gone ahead after 20 minutes when striker Ashley Ward headed home.
Wimbledon equalised within 60 seconds, however, with defender Chris Perry rising to convert a corner.
Italian summer signing Stefano Eranio restored Derby’s lead with second goal after 32 minutes, before the lights went out in the second half with 56 minutes on the clock.
The fixture was replayed in October 1997 and finished in a 1-1 draw, with Francesco Baiano on target for Derby.
The 1997/98 season saw the Rams finish in ninth place in the Premiership table.
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