Before the match on Saturday, the team news made for disappointing reading, with both Craig Bryson and Jamie Ward sitting the match out due to injury.

But in the end the result is all that matters and another 1-0 win, this time over Eddie Howe’s organised AFC Bournemouth side, was another important 3 points as the Rams continue to mount an automatic promotion challenge.

Bryson is usually the engine and catalyst for everything good about Derby’s midfield play and his absence was telling in the first 45 as Jeff Hendrick, who took the Scotsman’s place, almost watched the game pass him by.

Tremendous credit must go to the way the away side set out. They got in the Rams’ faces, made some good interceptions and stopped Derby from playing.

Defensive lapses worried the home faithful as the away side went into the interval unlucky not to be ahead. You got the feeling at half time that something had to give; it couldn’t go on like this.

Steve McClaren’s changes have had a massive effect since his arrival and again, it was bold substitutions that upped Derby’s tempo in the second 45. John Eustace made way for Simon Dawkins and Patrick Bamford was replaced by Conor Sammon. These two attack-minded subs got the Rams rolling and gave the ascendancy to the hosts.

Finally, Derby was on the front foot but at times they still test the tolerance of their fans. Chris Martin seemed especially ineffective leading the line — or so I thought.

Will Hughes was judged to have been tripped on the edge of the box five minutes from time. After watching a reply, no foul was committed and Derby were fortunate but, when you’re running forward with the ball at the opponents and mounting the pressure, you make your own luck.

Chris Martin took the free-kick, much to my surprise as I can’t recall him taking one before and fired home with a wonderful drive that triggered scenes of wild celebrations in the stands.

Dawkins was very good when he came on, Will Hughes also had a good outing but my pick was definitely Johnny Russell. The Scot made some excellent runs and exchanges as his team went in search of that elusive goal.

Lee Camp, as ever, got the attention of the Derby fans on another visit to his hometown. The ex-Red managed to earn a deserved yellow card when his protests over a foul went too far with his arms flailing as he protested to the referee.

It was good to hear that the attendance was the healthy figure of 27,306 but most pleasing was the victory. Just like at Hillsborough, the team did not play anywhere near their best but still came away with another precious 3 points.

It’s been said time and time again, that is a massive promotion credential.

Elsewhere, Burnley beat Forest 3-1 at Turf Moor, which ramped up the importance of next week’s visit to the Clarets and signalled that perhaps the wheels are falling off Billy’s promotion wagon!?

QPR was defeated at Charlton, a good result for Derby as Rangers have a game in hand over McClaren’s army.

Now the build up begins for an old fashioned ‘Match of The Day’ next Saturday.

Up The Rams!

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him @NathansRamsBlog on Twitter.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls