DEAN Moxey feels losing his place in Derby County's team improved him as a player.

Moxey joined the Rams from hometown club Exeter City last summer and started 23 of the first 24 games and was a substitute in the other.

But playing in the Championship was a step up for the 24-year-old left-back and his form dipped.

He was replaced by Jay McEveley in January and spent much of the second half of the campaign on the substitutes' bench before he was recalled for the final game against Cardiff City.

His display in the 2-0 victory was praised by manager Nigel Clough.

Moxey said: "It was disappointing to come out of the team but I think I've learned a lot just from watching the games."

He could face competition for the left-back role from Gareth Roberts next season. McEveley, whose contract was due to expire this summer, has been released and the Rams are set to complete the signing of Roberts who is out of contract with Doncaster Rovers.

LEON Haslam's lead at the top of the Superbike World Championship standings has been cut after Max Biaggi's double in Monza.

The Italian, who was on pole for Aprilia, underlined his class by winning the opener before easing to victory in race two.

Biaggi's maximum points haul moves him to within three points of series leader Haslam, who finished fourth and second for Alstare Suzuki.

Biaggi's RSV-4 was out front for most of the opening race but was pressurised throughout.

British trio James Toseland, Cal Crutchlow and Haslam harried the Italian from lights to flag but Biaggi fended off their challenge.

Haslam said: "I made a good start in the first race but made a small mistake at the second chicane and dropped to fifth.

"I made another good start in race two and managed to get in front for half-a-lap."

A near crash then damaged something on his machine and Haslam was more than happy to leave with the Championship lead.