The RamZone Wrap: Derby Find A Way Through Charlton's Back 10
Wednesday, 25th Feb 2015 13:10 by Daniel J Sewart

Derby dropped their new super striker Jake Buxton for Ryan Shotton but still managed to score goals and more importantly - keep them out against Charlton.

Otherwise the Rams were unchanged and burst out of the blocks with a clinical first 25 minutes that knocked Charlton down and left them dazed till the final whistle.

Hughes started what was a great move to set up the Rams first goal when he burst forward only to cleverly reverse pass to Bent who crossed low from the right to Hendrick who finished past the keeper from close range to make it 1-0 on 9 minutes.

The Rams were on fire and could have easily scored minutes later when Ince shot just wide - but on 17 minutes they once again turned their domination into a goal.

After some recent indifferent form, Hendrick was back to his best, as he ran towards goal spotted Lingard and sent a pinpoint ball to his feet. Lingard didn’t break stride and gathered the ball before shooting a bullet from 12 yards to make it 2-0 on 17 minutes.

Charlton could do nothing else but try to hang on as they put as bodies behind the ball and began attempting to clog up the Rams, hoping to catch them on the break.

The Addicks had chances through Gudmundsson and Diarra but really Lee Grant was never seriously troubled, as the visitors went into damage control.

Hendrick assisted Hughes to nearly make it three, when he set up Will only to see him shoot just wide late in the half.

HT: 2-0

The second half was not an entertaining affair as Charlton simply sat and tried to stop Derby getting into their area.

The ‘hit Derby on the break’ strategy was not working and in turn the contest became quite a chore to witness as the Rams chose to play cautiously and protect the lead.

To their credit the Rams were professional and tried to open the door on occasions, but when it did not open, had enough composure to ensure that Charlton could not take advantage.

In the end Derby allowed Charlton to play their negative game plan as it was unlikely to bear fruit which allowed the Rams to simply run out the game easy winners.

FT: 2-0

A great win by the Rams, one that was set up by some sensational football early that sent a clear message to the Championship; If you let the Rams play football — then do it at your own risk.

Top of the table and a sense that the Rams confidence in themselves, to get the job done, is growing with every game.

Ryan Weston was at the iPro for RamZone and we will present his as always entertaining match report — that is as soon as he can find a way to submit it through Charlton’s back 10.

Top of the heap, king of the hill — COYR!!

Match Info / Rams Team:

Ref: David Coote

Crowd: 28,277

Derby: Grant, Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth, Thorne (Mascarell 71’), Hendrick, Hughes (Bryson 76’), Ince, Lingard (Dawkins 69’), Bent.

Unused Subs: Roos, Buxton, Ward, Thomas.

Match Stats — Derby / Charlton:

Goals: Hendrick (9’), Lingard (17’)

Possession: 66% / 34%

Shots On Target: 2 / 3

Shots Off Target: 6 / 5

Corners: 2 / 3

Fouls: 6 / 6

We Said / They Said - Match Reaction:

We Said — Steve McClaren:

"In certain spells we looked excellent but what also impressed me was we looked solid at the back. I think we are a good team with the ball but tonight we looked a good team without the ball.”

"We've still got a lot to do but our midfield is very strong, our bench is good, we can make changes and our loan signings have come in and done well. So I hope we haven't seen the best of this team, I think that's still to come and today I think they showed a maturity and kept in control."

They said — Guy Luzon:

"I think Derby totally deserved to win and played very well, especially in the first 30 minutes but we were not organised well and left gaps between the lines and they used it well.”

"After 30 minutes we came back and organised better but it's not enough against a team like Derby, with their quality. You have to concentrate from the first minute and not for 60 or 55 minutes. They deserve to be in the Premier League and I think they are the best team in this league."