Todd gives Rams share of spoils

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After Benjani Mwaruwari had cancelled out Derby captain Matt Oakley's fourth-minute opener later in the first half, the game exploded late on with two goals in as many minutes.

Utaka, signed for £7million from Rennes this summer, appeared to have grabbed the limelight with an 82nd-minute strike, only for free transfer capture Todd to clinch a deserved point for the Rams moments later.

Manager Billy Davies' side were certainly excellent value, and on this showing have every chance of proving the bookmakers wrong as they are favourites for an instant return to the Championship.

And Derby's season was barely four minutes old when they took the lead. Goalkeeper Stephen Bywater punted a long goal-kick upfield and Steve Howard flicked the ball onto Oakley who made no mistake with a crisp right-foot drive from 15 yards.

Portsmouth started to find their feet soon after, and after Stephen Bywater had denied Pedro Mendes on the half volley from 25 yards, Harry Redknapp's side were back on level terms in the 27th minute.

New boys Sulley Muntari and David Nugent, £7million and £6million respectively, played their part in teeing up Mwaruwari, who had scored just six goals in his previous 50 appearances.

Derby appeared as if they would pay for the several missed opportunities when another two of Pompey's new faces in Sylvain Distain and Hermann Hreidarsson combined to set up Utaka.

But the Rams refused to go under, and sparked by 75th minute substitute Gary Teale, it was the Scotland international who laid the ball on a plate for Todd to grab a share of the spoils.