RICHARD Keogh was left rue Derby County's luck after an "ugly" game against Wigan Athletic.
The Rams' 12-match unbeaten run was ended by a 2-1 defeat to the Latics at the iPro Stadium on Saturday.
John Eustace put Derby ahead on the stroke of half-time, moments after Jack Butland had saved James Tavernier's penalty.
But substitute James McClaren netted twice to send Steve McClaren's men to their first home loss since March.
"They tried to stop us playing and made it an ugly game," said Rams skipper Keogh.
"They did that last season, so we knew what to expect but we just couldn't quite find our game.
"Fair play to them, they stopped us from doing that.
"They were physical and worked hard to close us down.
"They made it difficult for us and we're disappointed with the result."
Derby missed out on a club record seventh successive clean sheet and Keogh felt both goals conceded were unfortunate.
"You could say their goals were very lucky," added the defender.
"Their first goal was a cross that ricocheted straight to him (McClean).
"And their second goal, there was a few ricochets and then he's hit it into the ground and it's gone under me and Zak (Whitbread).
"There wasn't too much more we could have done."

WATCH the highlights from Derby County's 2-1 defeat to Wigan Athletic.
The Rams took the lead on the stroke of half-time through John Eustace, moments after Jack Butland had saved James Tavernier's penalty.
However, two goals from James McClean ended Derby's 12-match unbeaten run.
The video also shows the moment Latics boss Uwe Rosler was inadvertently taken out by Derby's Johnny Russell.

WIGAN Athletic produced their best away performance under manager Uwe Rosler to beat Derby County, according to the Latics boss.
The table-topping Rams lost 2-1 at the iPro Stadium on Saturday, ending a 12-match unbeaten run.
Wigan had started the day only a point above the Championship relegation zone.
"Before the game, nobody gave us a chance but this was the best away performance since I have been at the club," said Rosler.
"We had complete dedication to the game plan, demonstrating that we are not a group of individuals but that we are starting to come together and be a team.
"I am so proud as to how they reacted as a group and I think the players have answered the questions in a very impressive way."
James McClean came off the bench to score both of Wigan's goals after John Eustace had put the hosts in front.
"James McClean didn't sulk," added Rosler. "He understood the reason he didn't start and he came on and finished the job off."

DERBY darts ace Jamie Caven was edged out in a thrilling second round clash against Jelle Klaasen at the 888.com European Championship in Germany.
Caven had opened his campaign with victory over Austria's Mensur Suljovic, while Klaasen had knocked out reigning champion Adrian Lewis.
And the Dutchman came out on top 10-7 in a heavy-scoring encounter against Caven to book his place in the quarter-final.
An early 11-dart leg helped Klaasen into a 3-2 lead, only for Caven to hit back and put himself 6-4 up as he took out 138 and 100 in successive legs.
Klaasen, though, took six of the final seven legs as a sustained spell of big-scoring saw him power to victory, hitting two 177s as he levelled the game before hitting a 180 in six consecutive legs.
He also took out a 110 finish, another 11-darter and a 13-dart leg.

CASSANDRA Gray, 26, of Fieldsway Drive, Derby, was handed an 18-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £15 victim surcharge for stealing clothing and a vacuum cleaner from Asda in Spondon on June 8.

EACH Friday a van drives out of Derby city centre laden with another week's worth of produce for 50 hungry households.

Across Allestree, Darley Abbey and Duffield the delivery truck makes its stops, unloading the fresh fruit and vegetables to the expectant customers keen to know what they will be getting in this week's box.

The contents are carefully thought through by creator David Martins, owner of Martins Fruit and Veg in the Eagle Market.

The stall has been in the hands of David and his sister Caroline for 25 years and provides the basis for the deliveries that began 18 months ago.

David said: "For nearly two years we have been building up a customer base and recently we have hit 50 households that we deliver to.

"It hasn't been overnight but the area we were delivering to was limited. Now that we have reached this point though, it means we can expand the area that we can cover."

David says they were unsure how the boxes would go down with customers as they had only known about selling from their stall.

Initially they offered two different sizes of box, a large and a regular, priced at £22.50 and £15, which could be ordered online and over the phone.

But it was quickly clear that the larger boxes were not what people needed.

David said: "Ninety-five per cent of our customers have the regular-sized box. That is based on a family of four and you get four selections of veg, three salad types and four fruit types."

The exact contents of the box are specially selected to give as much variety as possible while keeping as much of the produce locally sourced and also in season.

David said: "The idea with the boxes is the same as the stall – we want to be able to show where we get our stock from and use as much local, British stuff as we can.

"To help us do that we will include food that is available as the seasons change, which means that there is a constant turnover in what people will get."

To begin with, it was David who was driving the van but as the customer numbers have grown, a new member of staff has been taken on to pack the boxes and deliver them.

That extra workload was something David could do without, as sourcing the produce and also serving customers at the shop requires long hours being put in.

David said: "On a morning, I can be up at 4am, drive up to Sheffield for 5am to visit the wholesalers, come back down to open up and then finally shut up at about 6pm.

"I am lucky because my sister and I share the load. So I do 50-hour weeks but that is all crammed into four-and-a-half days."

That 80-mile round trip to Sheffield is necessary because of the changes in the industry. David said: "When we started, there were five wholesalers and seven or eight market gardens. Now there is one wholesaler and very few market gardens.

"We have a lot of competition from the supermarkets. Markets used to be the place to come and buy cheap stuff. People look at loss leaders and think that we are much dearer but that isn't the case. Sometimes we are cheaper and sometimes more expensive.

"But, with rent increases and the free parking at supermarkets, we are having to compete in different ways."

And one of the ways they are fighting back against some of the barriers that have been created to market shopping is the delivery scheme.

David said: "Where people might once have spent £15 at the stall, they are less likely to hulk around potatoes and things like that, especially with the lack of free parking.

"The produce in the boxes is worth £15 from the stall, so the delivery is free.

"But if they weren't having the box delivered, they may not come to the stall and even if they did they may only end up spending a fiver."

And while small business owners are battling against large supermarkets in some ways, the giant retailers are giving the businesses an unwitting helping hand.

David said: "With supermarkets doing deliveries now, the idea of having your shopping brought to your door isn't as alien to people as it once was.

"In many ways we are going back to how it used to be, where you would have shopping delivered to you."

Now with potential customers throughout Derbyshire, David is hopeful that the quality of the deliveries keeps the customers coming back for more.

He said: "The people who buy the boxes are a real mix. The majority are young families who want good-value fresh produce but we also get retired couples and even single people. I think the thing they have in common is that they all like cooking with whole foods.

"They also use all of the stuff that they get which I think is different to how people view supermarket-bought produce that people don't feel so bad about throwing away."

To order a box and for more information, visit www.appledoreorchards.co.uk or call 07976 294 859 or 01332 554 036.

A Chinese staple, you'll find this simple dish in almost all oriental restaurants up and down the country.

But, although it's an authentic Chinese dish, this doesn't mean it's not an easy one to replicate at home.

It's great as a main or a side dish to another meal – just make sure you make more if you're having it as a main.

In China, noodles date back almost 4,000 years and they are incorporated into the everyday menu in Chinese kitchens.

This dish – stir-fried noodle with bean sprouts – is a simple yet satisfying, consisting of many different subtle flavours and textures.

Aside from noodles, bean sprouts are the main ingredient – the sprouts of the bean are used as they add a more delicate flavour.

Often just flash-fried for a few minutes to give them heat, they have more nutritional value, too.

Much of the flavour in this dish comes from the use of soy sauce, adding a rich, deep salty taste often only found in oriental cooking.

Shaoxing wine, the most famous of the huangjiu – or traditional Chinese wines – is used as a cooking ingredient as well as being a popular drink on mainland China.

It's fermented from rice and will often take the place of the initial rice course at a traditional Chinese meal.

A simple dish – but one so delicious that your family will consider you a professional chef.

INGREDIENTS

150g bean sprouts

2 spring onions

2 tsp light soy sauce

1 tsp dark soy sauce

½ tsp sesame oil

½ tsp salt

½ tsp sugar

½ tbsp shaoxing wine

½ tsp freshly ground white pepper

200g fresh thin Hong Kong-style egg noodles or 3 bundles of dried Hong Kong-style egg noodles

3 tbsp oil

METHOD

1. Cook the noodles, adding them to a pan of boiling water. Just 2 to 3 minutes for dried or 1 minute for fresh.

2. Rinse the bean sprouts in cold water and drain.

3. Chop the spring onions into short strips.

4. Mix the soy sauces, sesame oil, salt, sugar, wine and white pepper into a small bowl and set aside.

5. Heat the wok to high and add the tbsp of oil and coat the wok well.

6. Spread the noodles in a thin, even layer in the wok and tilt in a circular motion to distribute the oil and crisp the bottom layer of the noodles evenly. This takes 3 to 5 minutes.

7. Flip the noodles over and add another tbsp of oil around the edge of the wok and repeat the above step. Don't worry if you can't turn the noodles over in one shot, the goal is to get an even, light crispiness and dry out the noodles.

8. Set aside the noodles, keeping them warm.

9. Heat the wok over a high heat again and add another tbsp of oil and all of the white parts of the spring onion to the pan. Cook for about 15 seconds.

10. Add the noodles to the wok and stir them well, breaking up the noodles as you go.

11. Add the soy sauce mixture and toss continuously (don't stop!) for a couple of minutes using a pair of chopsticks or tongs.

12. Once the noodles are golden brown, add the bean sprouts and toss.

13. Add the rest of the spring onions and toss the mixture for another 2 minutes, until the bean sprouts begin to turn transparent.

14. Plate and serve.

Don't forget to stock up on the sesame oil. A small bottle will last for many, many meals but it's what gives oriental dishes that proper Chinese taste.

WITH more people looking for fireworks with "wow" factor, it comes as no surprise that choosing the correct pyrotechnics can be a challenge.

But if anyone knows anything about dazzling displays, it is Hannah Clarkson, co-owner of award-winning Pyrotex Fireworx.

The company, which has a shop in Mill Street, Derby, has more than 400 different fireworks on offer.

And with less than two weeks until November 5, now is the time to buy them.

Hannah, who founded the company with her partner Mark Kelsall 15 years ago, said: "We have fireworks ranging from £2 to £150, from fountains and happy wheels to bigger and grander fireworks.

"People are getting to know fireworks a bit better now. They like the idea of watching a lovely display right in front of them rather than setting up little ones that don't last very long. People want the wow factor."

From Moonstomper, to Mars and Attack and Pearcy Peacock, these are just some of the wild and whacky names of fireworks the shop has on sale.

Hannah said a particular favourite was Cosmic Ray, priced at £15.99.

"This firework is an electric cracker which changes colours," she said.

"From red to green, yellow and purple, it has 25 shots and last about 30 seconds."

If people are looking for a firework set which "fills the sky", then Acid Rain, on sale for £18, would be a good choice, according to Hannah.

She said: "This is a lovely firework which is full of golden colours like a willow garden. It has 16 shots and will go on for about 25 seconds."

Harry Popper, which fires off different effects, costs £22.99.

Hannah said: "This is for people who don't just want to see something pretty but want to hear the fireworks too. Harry Popper whistles and crackles. People think the more shots, the bigger the fireworks but that is not the case. You need to look at the size of the bore inside."

Firework barrage set Armageddon, sells for for £39.99.

Hannah said: "This firework has 500 different shots and is full of red, green, yellow and blue comets. With there being a higher number of shots, it means that the display will last for a longer time."

One of the most expensive boxes sold at Pyrotex Fireworx, is the Fire Lord, priced at £114.99.

Hannah said: "This has a bit of everything included from comets and crackling stars to willows. This one really builds up to make a wonderful finale."

Hannah said it was also important to make sure fireworks are installed in the ground safely and properly.

She said: "People pay a lot of money for fireworks but if you do not set them up properly and don't set them in the ground right then the boxes could fall over. If you give fireworks respect, they will give you respect back!"

Hannah said the store was increasingly busy at this time of year, with stock selling well.

She said: "Bonfire Night is probably one of the only times that families get together.

"Everybody enjoys watching fireworks, whether it's outside or looking out of the window.

"I remember my mum taking me to displays when I was younger and wrapping me up in my jumper and wellies, a hot dog in one hand and a sparkler in the other.

"There is something heart-warming about fireworks and it's not just kids that love them, adults become big kids seeing them too."

This year, the business won the International Musical Fireworks Champion of Champions, in Monaco, as well as the International Festival of Fireworks Champions, in Malta.

Hannah said: "We offer advice to all of our customers and ask what it is that they are after for the size of space they are going to hold a display. We have customers that come back year after year because they know what they like.

"People spend a lot of money on fireworks because they want results. If you buy from a good quality company then you will get what you pay for."

REMEMBER when Halloween lasted for just one night – October 31? You had just enough time to indulge in a spot of apple-bobbing or knock-and-run before it was all over and All Saints Day was here.

Now, just like Christmas, it seems to have grown into a month-long celebration of spookiness.

For example, early last week a colleague announced she had already been "Halloween shopping".

"Shopping? For Halloween?" I spluttered. And then realised I sounded like a Peter Kay "garlic bread" sketch.

Not that I'm really complaining. I've always been partial to good old-fashioned gothic horror or the odd ghost story so the more the merrier – or should that be scarier – as far as I am concerned.

Now, because Halloween seems to run from mid-October to early November, there are more events than ever vying for our leisure time when it comes to planning days – or nights – out, and few put on a better show than the theme park on our doorstep, Alton Towers.

Every year, it transforms itself with Scarefest, featuring Jack o'lanterns galore and a host of spooky characters. And, because it's a family attraction, you can guarantee the frights come with a big dollop of humour, too.

And theme park fans join in with fervour. During my visit I saw hundreds dressed as witches, film character Beetlejuice, skeletons and zombies – some of the make-up has to be seen to be believed – to get into the mood. Alton Towers welcomes their efforts; all it asks is that there are no masks.

This year's Scarefest – the eighth – began last Saturday and runs until Sunday, November 2. Anyone who has visited during the summer will find all the big rides only now they're open even later – until 9pm.

Even though we all like to think of ourselves as grown-ups now, our family of four still love rollercoasters, especially the G-forces of Rita Queen of Speed, stomach-churning Oblivion and the latest addition to the family, the Smiler, with more twists and turns than what Blackadder might have called "a twisty-turny day". They're great in the daytime but in the dark they're even better.

Not scary enough for you? Okay, so try finding your way out of the maze that is the Terror of the Towers where you have to run the gauntlet of bloodthirsty vampires lurking among the ruins of former home of the Earl of Shrewsbury. Be warned, they like to get up close and personal and even follow you around. Not one for those with a nervous disposition.

Then there is The Sanctuary, which turns out to be precisely the opposite. A discredited professor with a manic smile is back in charge of a 1950s-style medical facility. Good luck finding your way out of this madhouse without falling victim to the prof's Ministry of Joy.

There is an extra charge for the mazes, you may have to face queues, and they're not recommended for under-14s.

If the world of the undead is more your scene, then the Zombie Zone will transport you to what feels like a film set from Shaun of the Dead. Thread your way through post-apocalyptic scenes while trying to avoid the snarling zombies who smell blood – yours.

New this year is Scary Tales, when you can explore an eerie gothic landscape where classic stories are given a Halloween twist.

If you have young visitors, they can learn scary skills at Phil and Franklyn's Ghoul School, enjoy tales from Skelvin's Spooky Storytime, or play in Patch's Trick or Treat Party.

And there's also the huge Cbeebiesland, where their favourite characters come to life.

We extended our stay by overnighting at the Alton Towers Hotel, which meant we could also enjoy entry to the adjoining indoor water park with its flumes. Then it was back into the main park for more thrilling rides.

Halloween? Bah humbug? No, it all ends too soon.

AN innovative Vintage Mobile Cinema has rolled into Derby to entertain customers of a popular toy shop.

Smyths Toys at the Kingsway Retail Park is hosting the cinema today from 11am to 5pm.

It is part of a tour that will see the bus head to Hull next for a three-day stop. 

JOHNNY Russell was voted Derby County man of the match for the second game running for his performance against Wigan Athletic.
Russell collected 55% of the vote in our online poll following the Rams' 2-1 defeat to the Latics at the iPro Stadium on Saturday.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland, who saved a penalty, was second with 21%, while goalscorer John Eustace was third on 10%.

A DAD has been hailed a hero by Derby workers who say he was killed after stepping in to help a man involved in a disturbance.

Father-of-three Kevin O'Connell died on Saturday after being involved in a collision with a car.

The 33-year-old died after the incident in Burton Road at 1pm. He has been praised for getting out of his car, which is thought to have contained all his children, to help the man.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of assault and both have been bailed pending police inquiries.

A police spokesman said: "Early indications from witnesses suggest Mr O'Connell saw a disturbance, drove to where the alleged incident occurred and attempted to intervene.

"At this point, one male tried to run off and Mr O'Connell gave chase. At some point, he was in a collision with [a car driven by] an unconnected member of the public."

He said both people arrested on suspicion of assault had been bailed while police inquiries continue.

An entry on the Derby Telegraph's Facebook page from Donna states: "Thank you for all your well wishes. The children are in bits, as are his family. He has been taken too soon at 33."

One woman, who lives in Derby and works on Burton Road, said she phoned the police about the incident after one of Mr O'Connell's daughters tried to phone for an ambulance.

She said: "It was a terrible accident. We could hear screaming outside and knew something was wrong from that.

"I was crying and upset. I think of the poor kids – this will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

"I walked to help them because it is just natural. You do feel a little useless afterwards, but we could not have done more.

"He must have been a special person to pull over and he obviously had something about him.

"If I saw what he saw, I don't know if I would get out of my car.

"It takes guts. He stopped his car to help and is a hero.

"I'm sure he was a genuinely nice guy."

Family friend Tracey Bricknell said she had known Mr O'Connell and his family for many years.

Tracey, 50, of Findern, said: "My heart and thoughts go out to all the family.

"It is a tragic accident – Kevin was loved by everybody. He was very friendly and outgoing and has been taken too young.

"He has a very strong family unit, they are all together.

"His mum talks about the family all the time."

She added that the news had just hit home.

She said: "When accidents are reported, I always feel for the family but, when it's somebody you know, it's horrible.

"To think it can happen in Derby is awful.

"They are a lovely and down-to-earth family and I know the funeral will be huge, absolutely huge."

Social media was flooded with messages about Kevin and the support which is being shown to his family.

Martin Edwards wrote: "RIP Kev. My heart goes out to all your family. Never forgotten."

Richard Yeomans added: "My thoughts go out to you and your family. I'm really sorry to hear about it."

Gary Woolley wrote: "What can one say? A fantastic lad, a fantastic family.

"I just cannot believe it. My thoughts are with you all. God bless you all."

And Michael Bowler, 26, of Burton Road, said the death of Mr O'Connell was shocking.

He said: "It happened outside my house and it's terrible news because I'm told he has children."

Agata Kulawik, 45, also of Burton Road, said she was shocked at the death.

She added: "I looked through my house window and could see the police and ambulance.

"I really hope his family will be OK. It's terrible."

Witnesses or anyone else with information about the incident should call police on 101 and ask to speak to Det Con Gillan.

RYAN Shotton is set to return to the Derby County squad for Tuesday night's Capital One Cup fourth round tie against Fulham - but striker Leon Best is a doubt.
Shotton missed Saturday's Championship fixture against Wigan Athletic due to illness but trained with the Rams on Monday.
However, Best is now feeling unwell and faces a late check on his fitness as to whether he will be involved at Craven Cottage.
The front man, on loan from Blackburn Rovers, started against Reading in the previous round of the competition.
As previously reported, midfielder Paul Coutts is due to be part of the squad following his return from a hip injury.

GOALKEEPER Kelle Roos will get another chance to show what he can do in Derby County's Capital One Cup clash with Fulham.
The Dutchman is set to start the fourth round encounter at Craven Cottage on Tuesday night, as on-loan stopper Jack Butland is cup tie.
Butland, who has played twice in this season's competition for parent club Stoke City, has been covering for injured number one Lee Grant (ankle).
Roos' only first-team appearance for Derby so far came in the last round of the cup, against Reading.

DERBY County are in Barclays Under-21 Premier League Division Two action on Monday night.
The Rams take on Bolton Wanderers at Alfreton Town's Impact Arena (7pm).
Bolton ran out 1-0 winners against Lee Glover's side when they met earlier this month.
But Derby won their previous game, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-1 last week.
Admission at Alfreton is £3 for adults, £1 for concessions and free for Rams season ticket holders.