The pitch was heavy and Derby County were kicking uphill however, Hopewell and his defending colleagues made a fight of it.
Preston North End got an early goal but with some great goalkeeping by Joseph Marshall and counter-attacking, Smith nearly scored on his debut, Derby County were only 1-0 down at half-time.
However, in the last 20 minutes Derby County collapsed and Preston North End added four to win 5–0.
Derby County finished 10th in the Football League and had to seek re-election.
This biographical article related to association football in England, about a midfielder, is a stub.