PLAYED one, won one - against World Club and European champions Manchester United!

Nick Garnham

PLAYED one, won one - against World Club and European champions Manchester United!

That's the proud managerial record today of former Ipswich Town striker David Lowe, who last night masterminded Derby County's 1-0 Carling Cup semi-final first leg victory over the Red Devils at Pride Park.

Lowe, who is Derby's Academy head coach, was thrust into the role of caretaker manager for Derby's first domestic cup semi-final for 40 years following the resignation of Paul Jewell, ironically after the Rams lost 1-0 at home to Ipswich on December 28.

Chris Hutchings, Jewell's assistant, was originally expected to be in charge for last night's match but he left the club in the wake of the announcement that Nigel Clough, who watched from the stands last night, had been appointed as the new manager.

Lowe, who was a popular striker with Ipswich between 1987 and 1992, took over the reins for one match only - and oversaw a famous victory thanks to Chris Commons' first-half strike. Lowe said afterwards: “I said to the players before the game that the only people who believe you can win are in this dressing room.”

Lowe made 121 appearances for Ipswich and scored 37 goals after being signed from Wigan Athletic for �80,000 in June 1987.

Now aged 43, Lowe helped with some coaching at Needham Market, who were then an SIL side, during his time at Portman Road.