Amazing. Astounding. Unbelievable. Insert your own superlative here. No-one in the home end at the iPro on Saturday will ever say again that their wildest dreams never come true.

After a day to let it all sink in and after watching the highlights seven-thousand, four hundred and eighty two times (and counting,) I’m only just starting to believe it actually happened.

My favourite player bagged the match-ball and led us to party like it was 1898. Steve Bloomer was watching...and I bet he enjoyed the party too! But I had better start at the beginning, just like all good fairytales.

At 4:23am precisely, the body-clock decided to go off. Try as I might, that was it for my night’s shut-eye. The thought of an odious, rotund, Scottish man waving his podgy fists smugly at the travelling away fans was troubling me. What would a defeat do to our young side?

Would we be able to recover our focus or plummet out of the playoffs?

We couldn’t lose. We just couldn’t.

A few restless hours later, a glorious morning ushered in a couple of early morning refreshments, alongside the customary abusive texts off red-dogs that hadn’t contacted me for ages.

Forcing my breakfast down was easier said than done, considering that my stomach was somewhere in my throat. A couple more refreshments helped ease that problem though….

And so came the traditional pre-match predictions. The majority, me included, went for a tight Rams victory but at the cost of surging blood pressure and no fingernails come full-time. The first goal however, was unanimously agreed on as being crucial.

There were also two other predictions within the group, but more about those later dear reader.

With that and after doing a Billy Davies (having another drink), it was show-time.

The team news filtered through and more than raised a few eyebrows. Dawkins was not involved; a groin strain keeping him out and Hughes only fit enough for the bench. Thorne was to make his debut in place of the suspended Eustace, leading to an impromptu rendition of the Eurythmics from someone walking with us down the canal to the ground….

Reaching the iPro the unmistakable buzz of a big game washed over us, a feeling that you can’t explain but makes you feel near invincible.

The Sky cameras, a full house, walking up the stairs and taking it all in. What I wouldn’t have given to be out there (although I do think Andre Wisdom would have been slightly miffed had I replaced him in my normal right-back role.)

Finally, the players emerged to a cauldron of noise. The new ‘South Stand Kop’ appeared to immediately be bearing fruit, with the ground seemingly noisier than most previous games. The talking (or not in their case - forgot that giving interviews was a crime) was done. With my heart going quicker than Steve McClaren’s hair, we were finally underway.

From the off, we looked assured. An opening salvo of sharp touches and passing set the tone. Our visitors looked content to dig in, employing two defensive midfielders, including Greening, whose caravan was safely parked up next to the team coach outside. What we needed was an early goal after four without scoring.

Within six minutes, we were ahead.

Ward evoked memories of his glorious ten - men goal after jinking away from the right-back. His cross was diverted away from goal by Bamford but Hendrick was given time to retrieve and turn before firing in towards Martin.

With Forest at sixes and sevens (or was that fives), the ball fell to Bryson on the edge of the box. After chipping against Moussi’s hand, which was unbelievably in glove, the Scot pounced on the rebound to smuggle it home via a deflection.

I never even saw it hit the net. A small earthquake was recorded in the Derby area as pandemonium ensued, as did broken sunglasses, a scraped shin, a head-but and a punch to the mid-section. And that was just me.

All were gratefully received though, as was Bryson’s celebration right in front of the away fans…

With the South Stand rocking, the pace of the game followed suit. Mackie threatened to give Forest a quick reply, getting away from Forsyth before shooting closer to my house than to the target.

The goal though had visibly stirred the Rams into some sense of calm, with us looking solid from front to back. Our fluidity was back and we looked as if we could cause problems for the dreadful looking visiting back-four every time we picked up possession.

Mackie looked a threat, with Thorne booked after sticking into his side. An off the ball clash with Buxton then saw the ex-QPR man hit the deck and claim apparent injury, only to miraculously rise quicker than my cat does when there’s chicken about, after a few verbals were shot in his direction. A clear indication then, that any stifling or unsettling tactics employed by the poisoned dwarf would not wash.

Ward was continuing his love-affair with the derby, looking a menace and relishing a few verbals in front of the away support. He combined well with Forsyth, who found space in the box before lashing over. Our high-pressure tactics were looking too-much for our neighbours, who were being run-ragged by our midfield.

Any crosses that did find their way into our territory were gleefully repelled by Keogh and Buxton, with Cox presumably still trying to find his way out of Bucko’s pocket.

Grant then saved well from Majewski but amid the superb atmosphere and joyous Billy-bashing (I never knew he was a banker!?) we needed another goal to properly relax and to save my finger nails from prematurely being gnawed off.

As it happened, it was more my face in danger was we scored again…

A throw found Bamford, who cleverly fizzed the ball into Martin inside the box. Holding it up, the big man laid off to the on-rushing Bryson, who had just run past the day-dreaming Moussi. Rumours that the Frenchman was too-busy wondering why he was wearing gloves remain unconfirmed, but nevertheless, Bryson kept his cool to sweep the ball into the far corner and send the iPro delirious again.

The bash to the eye and the entire body weight of the guy sat behind me on my back were all worth it.

The black and white army could smell blood and within five minutes, we executed the killer blow. A Forest corner was cleared and smashed up - field by Ward.

An awful missed interception and the ball found Bamford. With two Forest players attracted to the ball, the young man showed great awareness to find Hendrick, who had the freedom of Pride Park to pick his spot. Under Darlow was his choice and it was three.

More pandemonium. More bruises. More beautiful scenes. Even if it was enjoyed while sprawled across three seats on the row behind!!

Unfortunately, that sparked the end for Ward, whose dodgy hamstring reared its head again. Before Russell could replace him though, Jamie very thoughtfully took the time to display the score on his hands towards the travelling fans, just in case any of them missed it.

Like a boxer with seconds to go in the round to inflict more damage on a battered opponent, we went for the fourth, with Bamford shooting over and Martin being blocked. The whistle saved our visitors from further punishment and saw Billy not having to throw the towel that was in the dugout onto the pitch…

With the party already starting downstairs and the half-time beer takings at a record high, I appeared to be the only one using any form of caution. Despite our dominance and the feeling that Forest couldn’t score in a brothel with a grand in their hand, it would just be Derby to blow it.

If I could borrow Doctor Who’s TARDIS, I would instead go back and pass round the party hats and streamers, as what followed was simply unbelievable.

My caution did lift when I saw that Forest were bringing on a donkey (or was that a camel) at the break. Henderson had a carrot then trotted on to try and spearhead the recovery. Stop tittering at the back…

To their credit, the away fans did try to rally their troops, with somebody obviously finding out that using their voices hadn’t been banned by the club during the break.

The first five minutes or so of the second half saw Forest on top, with the Rams not yet settling back in. Save for a couple of corners, we didn’t look troubled and soon enough any sort of nerves were dispelled with a moment of brilliance, which nearly brought the full-house down.

Martin again showed top centre-forward play by holding it up and playing a clever reverse pass into Russell in the inside-left channel outside the box. With the Forest defenders doing anything but, Johnny had time to let fly a ferocious shot which arrowed past the despairing Darlow into the far corner.

A tremendous goal, matched by more tremendous scenes from the stands.

Any remaining stuffing left in the red-dogs disappeared quicker than a buffet with Andy Reid in attendance. With the players in black and white visibly enjoying every second, we went for more.

First, Russell really should have made it five when he raced one-on-one following a mistake, but dallied and was denied by a last-ditch tackle. Then, Martin flicked Bryson’s cross and was peeling away to celebrate before Darlow made an excellent near-post stop.

The cavalry kept going though, on and off the field. Looking around, the ground was as alive as I’ve ever seen it. Even the North Stand was singing.

Bryson, who had Greening tied up in knots, almost completed the dream hat-trick, curling a free-kick just wide.

However, this was March 22nd 2014, the day when dreams come true. More woeful, or do I mean wonderful Forest defending, allowed Bamford to beat the offside trap and despite a heavy touch, be cleaned out by Darlow. The fact that it was 4-0, coupled with the ball going away from goal, saved any more severe action than a pen.

We don’t score penalties but this was no normal day and only one man was going to take it. On a normal day, Bryson’s feeble spot-kick down the middle would have been easily saved. On this day though, Darlow very generously dived out of the way to see the Scot make history.

Repetitive strain set in as yet another goal was celebrated wildly, including by our skipper, who seemed to be having far too much fun with Rammie’s head….

The party had really started now, as had the pinching of arms and rubbing of eyes. As the ‘oles’ rang out, as we were joyfully rubbing Forest’s nose into the iPro turf, I was convinced that maybe I had drifted off, maybe this was all a dream and my alarm was going to go off at any second?

The only thing going off though, apart from Forest’s play-off place, was Martin, replaced by Sammon. One thing that could possibly make the day better, was a Sammon hat-trick. Well, this was a day when miracles were seemingly possible…

To cries of ‘we want six,’ Bryson almost incredibly had four for himself, shooting low but straight at the keeper. Russell then provided a comical air-kick with added backwards roll, with saw him laugh at himself as much as we did and also saw him awarded a 5.5 by the panel.

Robert Madley would have sent him off…

Forest briefly threatened, a glancing header from the donkey flashing wide, a surprise to see him actually a.) win a header and b.) not set out to injure Keogh and Buxton, as he had done since his arrival.

Nothing would sour this though as the seats to my right in the away section began to empty and the pictures on the big screen showed distraught faces in red. Of course, no-one laughed…

As the board went up and Bryson was withdrawn to allow for a full-house round of applause, Hughes entered. A sudden twinge of sadness hit as the board for time added time swiftly followed.

This game shouldn’t be allowed to end. They should have carried on until Billy marched out into the centre circle, crying waving a white-flag or at least wait until we reached double-figures.

There was still plenty of time though to ask Lee Grant the score, a humorous show of four fingers and a thumb behind his back the response. Billy though wouldn’t answer.

Amid the celebrations, one man coolly stood and applauded. What a difference since the corresponding fixture and what a fantastic job McClaren is doing. He must have wanted to dance around like the rest of us but he looked as methodical and serene as always. Perhaps he saved it for the dressing room.

Full - time and scenes of joy not seen since Wembley 2007 all around. I must admit, there was a part of me that welled up. Days like this don’t come along often, well for 116 years. This was special. This was history. This was bloody fantastic.

To a man, we were superb. For a young side to handle the occasion like that deserves immense respect. Yes, Forest were terrifically poor but less about that.

There is winning and then there is winning. The doubters had been proved well and truly wrong and one hopes that the psychological effect of this will see us consolidate and even look to catch Burnley. After all, dreams do come true….

Outside and more singing, dancing and a very amusing conversation where a fellow Ram proclaimed that he was going to call his son Bryson... before quickly announcing that even if he was to have a girl, he would do the same!

Oh and before I go I must go back to those pre-match predictions. Firstly, a member of the group confidently proclaimed that ‘we will win 5-0.’ Before the men in white coats were summoned, another member then suggested that, ‘if we win by five or more, the Moet is on me tonight’. Person A reaped the rewards of 150/1 returns. Person B…. well, let’s just say, we’re still waiting.

Not that I went thirsty though…

Anyhow, I must leave it there.

Look at the time.

It’s Five past Forest.

Weston’s Player Ratings

Lee Grant - 8 Not a great deal to do but kicking and decision making good. Nice interaction with the crowd too!

Craig Forsyth - 7 Got to grips with Mackie and defended well.

Andre Wisdom - 7 Usual dependable self.

Jake Buxton - 8 Top display by Bucko, Cox is still in his pocket somewhere.

Richard Keogh - 9 Lead by example. Brought the ball out well, defended superbly. Very questionable celebration with Rammie though!!!

Jeff Hendrick - 8 Another who loves this fixture. Best display for a long while. Took his goal well and looked composed throughout.

Craig Bryson - Can I give him more than 10? History making hat-trick hero. Ran the show, they couldn’t get near him. Hero! Weston’s Star Man — 11/10!!

George Thorne - 8 Superb debut. Passed the ball well and did the ‘ugly’ things with aplomb.

Patrick Bamford - 7 Caused problems on what was sure to be an emotional day for the lad. Assisted goals 3 and 5 and looked as sharp as ever in a Rams shirt.

Jamie Ward - 7 Loves this game, looked very menacing before another injury saw him depart early.

Chris Martin - 7 Far too clever for Lascelles. Held ball up superbly as per. Will be disappointed not to have scored.

Subs

Johnny Russell - 8 Brilliant goal and normal high-quality performance. Great celebrations at the end too.

Conor Sammon — 7 Willing him to score but no chances.

Will Hughes — 7 Good to see him out there….came on for two minutes but….he gets a rating because WE WON 5-0!!!!

We said / They Said

Derby Gaffer Steve McClaren:

"We knew if we kept doing the right things the end product would come and there's no better day to do it than today in front of 33,000 fans. I think this win is for the Derby fans.”

“After not scoring in the last few games it was a nice reminder for everyone - including the players - that we can put the ball in the net. We’ve put a marker down today; it was a big win for us.”

They said…hang on….where’s Billy?? - Forest Assistant Manager David Kelly:

“Huge credit to Steve and his group, they thoroughly deserved the victory but we were disappointed in how we defended. It was a disappointing catalogue of goals we gave away and what we were working on during the week was disappointing in how it was executed on the day.”

"It's a huge, huge game in the season and we're disappointed we've let the fans down. We only had a fit group of 18 we brought today but that's not an excuse, it's just the facts of what's going on."

Wait, let me go and fetch the world’s smallest violin…

Match Stats: Rams / Forest:

Possession: 59% / 41%

Corners: 4 / 5

Shots (On Target): 17 (10) / 10 (9)

Fouls: 11 / 18

Match Info:

Referee: Michael Naylor

Attendance: 33,004

Derby County: Grant (GK); Wisdom, Buxton, Keogh, Forsyth; Thorne, Hendrick, Bryson (Hughes 85'), Ward, Bamford, Martin (Sammon 82').

Unused Subs: Legzdins (GK), Naylor, Russell, Whitbread, Bailey.

Nottingham Forest: Darlow (GK), Collins, Moussi (Henderson 45'), Mackie, Fox, Greening, Lascelles, Jara, Paterson (Halford 64'), Majewski, Cox (Derbyshire 79').

Unused Subs: De Vries (GK), Harding, Gomis, Osborn.

Brian Clough Trophy Comes Home!

Match Highlights / Reaction

Next Time:

Ipswich vs. Derby

Portman Road

7:45pm — Tuesday March 25th

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls