The chorus of what sounded like booing at the final whistle could have misled the neutral into believing Derby's supporters were dissatisfied. In fact they were "Pooming"; paying vocal tribute to their Estonian goalkeeper Mart Poom.

His four saves of the highest quality ensured Derby hung on for what could be three crucial points, hauling themselves above Everton in the Premiership.

They must also appreciate the emergence of Danny Higginbotham on the left flank. His curling deliveries behind the Everton back three were a constant threat, and having stolen a yard on Stefano Eranio, Higginbotham should have done better than to poke Seth Johnson's fifth-minute cross over the bar.

For Everton, Duncan Ferguson, making only his second full start since his summer move from Newcastle, was the lone target, and to make matters worse the Scot's strength in the air required him to return to his own penalty area for every Derby set-piece.

It was a surprise when Everton all but took the lead on 17 minutes. Steve Watson headed a Mark Pembridge cross against the bar, and when West sliced the rebound towards his own net Poom made his first excellent save.

Three minutes later Derby scored. Johnson crossed from the left, Malcolm Christie stepped over the ball, Everton's defence bought the dummy and the ball ran through for Burton to lift over Thomas Myhre.

Neither side were particularly creative for the rest of the half, in contrast to the first 20 minutes of the second period when a double substitution by Walter Smith gave Everton a better balance.

They exploited it with such verve that at times it seemed only Poom stood in their way. But what a barrier he formed.

David Weir and Mark Pembridge had extended Poom to the full when Ferguson's right-foot curler found its way through a pack of players. Having barely seen it, Poom flung himself to his left and touched the ball around the post. Ferguson collapsed in disbelief.

Derby: Poom, Riggott, Carbonari, West, Delap, Higginbotham, Eranio (Kinkladze 68), Burley (Murray 41), Johnson, Christie, Burton. Subs Not Used: Martin, Mawene, Oakes. Booked: Carbonari, West. Goals: Burton 20.

Everton: Myhre, Steve Watson, Weir, Ball, Naysmith, Gemmill, Gravesen (Moore 46), Pembridge, Nyarko (Unsworth 45), Ferguson, Alexandersson (Tal 79). Subs Not Used: Simonsen, Cleland. Booked: Gravesen, Nyarko, Weir. Att: 27,358

Referee: A Wiley (Burntwood).