Miller gives Derby first win

Miller's finish exuded class as he looked up to find Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper off his line before sending a piledriver into the roof of the net after 38 minutes.

It was the perfect riposte from a Rams side who were all-but written off after their 6-0 demolition by Liverpool last time out, as they silenced a Newcastle side which included England's Euro 2008 qualifying star Michael Owen.

Tyrone Mears forced Steve Harper into a save in the 10th minute, cutting inside David Rozehnal and firing hard and low at the United stopper who parried at the first attempt.

Newcastle served notice of their attacking threat when a quick pass to James Milner down the left caught the Derby defence cold, but when the ball came to Rozehnal 12 yards out - and with Stephen Bywater nowhere - he powered the ball wide of the left-hand post.

Geremi hit a fine free-kick as the game continued to open up but it was Derby, and Miller, who broke the deadlock.

The 27-year-old was 35 yards out when he spotted Harper out of his goal and took an instant to release a piledriver into the roof of the net.

Sam Allardyce took off Owen, unable to repeat his England heroics against the basement club, for Obafemi Martins after 55 minutes as United desperately sought a cutting edge.

Steven Taylor had Newcastle's best chance after an hour but he snatched at his finish and failed to force a save.

Steve Howard wasted two glorious opportunities to give Derby some breathing space. First heading wide when he climbed highest six yards out and then flashed another header wide from Teale's cross.