DERBY head coach Alan Dickens praised the character of his players after they recovered from an early setback to beat local rivals Ilkeston.

The Elks raced into a 10-0 lead inside the opening five minutes of Saturday's league and county cup double-header at Haslams Lane.

They then led 13-3 but Derby fought their way back into the match and scored 31 points unanswered to record their eighth successive win.

"It was a bit of a shock to find ourselves 10-0 down so early on," said Dickens. "But the lads showed great character and trust in the game-plan to come back.

"In the end, it was a good all-round team performance and that is the best we have played for some time."

Derby welcomed Andy Gates back from injury, while Simon Long, Eldon Atherton and Dave Fitchett were also recalled to the side.

Ilkeston started brightly and took the lead through Andy Thompson's drop goal after three minutes.

From the restart, the visitors won the ball and a good passing move ended with Alan Cook touching down for his first try of the season.

Joel Haigh converted and Derby were up against it.

A Paul Burrows penalty got the hosts up and running but Ilkeston soon replied in kind, courtesy of Haigh.

Derby began to take the game to their opponents and a series of forward drives allowed Burrows to release Ben Marlow (pictured) to score.

Burrows converted to reduce the deficit to 13-10 after a breath-taking first 20 minutes.

Derby took the lead, one they would not surrender, four minutes before half-time.

Dave Goodman emerged with the ball after the home forwards had driven over the Ilkeston line.

The visitors trailed 15-13 at half-time and gifted Derby another try 12 minutes after the break.

A poor clearing kick found Darren Hersey. He passed to Marlow, who sent Dan Sanderson galloping home from 20 metres for a try that Burrows converted.

That put Derby nine points clear and they got the crucial next score shortly after the hour, when Goodman got his second try – a carbon copy of his first.

Marlow rounded off the win when he broke through for his second try, which was converted by Burrows.

So, Derby collected two more valuable points in their Midlands One East campaign, while progressing to the next round of the Derbyshire Cup in the process.

Dickens paid tribute to Long, who was a late replaced for Adam Parkins at tighthead prop.

"Adam was on the bench for Northampton, so it was a big ask for Simon Long to step up in a role he has not played before," he said, "but he did very well against a strong Ilkeston pack.

"Dan Sanderson did well and Dave Fitchett was outstanding on his return to the side.

"Paul Burrows was good, too, and Ben Marlow had his best game of the season."

Matlock lost 30-9 away to Paviors. Dan Hooton kicked three penalties for the visitors.