The season of goodwill was on full show at the iPro as the Rams surrendered a winning position late-on and had to settle for a share of the Christmas cake.

In truth, it was the very least that the visitors deserved, after three tough office party’s in a week caught up with us.

Some things in life are nailed on. There won’t be snow on Christmas Day. Players always score against former clubs. And Cameron Jerome ALWAYS scores against Derby. Imagine my horror then, to see Jerome (thankfully without Robson), in the visitor’s starting line-up.

No such frights in our line-up, with three predictable changes in Ibe, Hendrick and Shotton, coming into the side.

The last test of a big week began, with the chance to be the star on top of the Christmas tree, the prize for three points.

It was apparent from the first whistle though that this was going to be a test stiffer than a double festive tipple. Norwich immediately pressed high, giving us no time to settle and it was they who had the first chance of the game. With Christie hobbling back into position, a cross from the right saw one of Norwich’s ex-Damned United players Johnson, head just wide.

It was also apparent that the referee had the potential to be a pantomime villain. Obviously having brought some of his spare Christmas cards to the ground, he decided to kill the festive spirit by brandishing a couple of them within the opening ten minutes.

The game was stuttering to a start, with miss-placed passes as plentiful as the Santa hats in the crowd. Our baby (Jesus) Ibe was the most likely, infuriatingly though, having breezed past Whittaker on two occasions making him rue that extra mince pie, the youngster did too much and the chance was gone.

Derby’s first chance came from a Mascarell corner, which was flicked well-wide at the near post by Martin. The big man though was getting a fair bit of festive cheer out of namesake Russell Martin, seemingly in knowledge of the, ‘players coming back to bite former employers’ rule. Ibe however had not taken note of his earlier dance around the imaginary tree. Again making a turkey of his man, there was no Frankin-sense shown with another wasted opportunity.

Chances were at a premium as the choir seemed to have stage-fright. Our midfield wasn’t wrapping presents for the forwards, with Norwich deserving credit for their tireless work-rate. Still, we still had the next chance, again coming from the left. This time, a cross was cut-out to Mascarell, who fired closer to me in the South Stand than the net.

For their endeavours, Norwich had offered very little in attacking threat. That changed as the latest offside flag I have ever seen, saved us from going behind.

Poor possession play from Derby saw Tettey drive towards the box and drill a left-footed drive. From the naked eye, it seemed as if Grant had made a hash of the save as the ball went in. The away fans celebrated.

John Ruddy in the goal celebrated. It was only when Grant started jumping up and down like a kid who has been told that Santa doesn’t exist that, very, VERY slowly, the flag was raised. As it turned out, the correct call, as Jerome had jumped over the initial shot, only the three yards offside…

This seemed to galvanise us as we finally started to get a grip in the midfield. Hendrick, who had been a passenger for much of the half, started to get involved, winning a couple of challenges and getting the quiet Russell into the game.

Despite our impetus, it was Johnson again who went close for Norwich, cutting in from the right and smashing a dipping shot just over. From the resulting goal-kick however, we had the lead, with the most un-Derby like goal you are ever likely to see.

Grant’s goal-kick was majestically taken down by Martin, who turned his namesake again and drove towards the box. Crossing low, the ball was perfect for Russell, whose first-touch was exquisite, before a stabbed second saw the ball nestle into the far corner. A goal out of nothing to take into the break.

After some guitars were given out in some bizarre Christmas giveaway, we were back out, minus Hendrick, whose late exertions had caused him injury. Hughesy replaced him as we began a big 45 mins. After five minutes of nip and tuck, with Norwich looking dangerous, we gifted an equaliser.

A lost ball in the middle of the park allowed Whittaker to stride forwards into the area. Forsyth intercepted his attempted through ball, only for the ball to be headed and then touched onto Howson on the right. As desperate calls were offside were audible, Howson’s cross fell to someone unmarked with a tap-in at the far stick. I don’t even have to tell you who it was.

No matter though as with our next attack, Cuellar in the visiting defence provided us with an early Christmas gift. Hughes played a through ball in behind towards Martin. With Cuellar unaware of his presence, Martin nicked the ball away, just as Cuellar went to clear. A stocking filler of a bruise no doubt, but more importantly, the pantomime villain pointed to the spot.

After an infuriating and not isolated incident of little man syndrome, the ref finally allowed Martin to accept his gift. The big man duly obliged, turning the Christmas Lights (Coldplay fans) on in our quest for the North Star, sending Ruddy the wrong way as we were back in front.

Sadly, the peace and goodwill to all Rams stopped there, as Norwich would dominate the final third of the match. More good play down the right saw a shot from Hooper hit Jerome and deflect just wide. Redmond was introduced from the stable and the threats down the wing continued.

Derby was struggling for any ball-retention, with an imposter masquerading as Will Hughes surprisingly poor.

With the dangerous Grabban then introduced, Derby were forced into a second change. Bryson limped off with an over indulgence of figgy pudding to be replaced by Dawkins as the pressure intensified. A couple of crosses from both wings caused panic in the Rams box, with Keogh producing two superb blocks to prevent a goal-scoring chance.

The simple fact was though that we couldn’t keep the ball. With tiredness showing, Norwich went for the kill as it was all hands on festive deck. That man Whittaker came desperately close to finding an equaliser, a ball cleared to him smashed back just the wrong side of the post.

Paul Coutts was introduced for Jordan Ibe for the final ten as we sought to hang on. The physically spent Johnny Russell would have been my choice to be withdrawn, especially after a lung-bursting run down the left which even left me feeling tired!

The season’s generosity of spirit had reached absurd proportions as Norwich were afforded the freedom of the middle of the park. A couple of counter-attacks broke down, with the superb Martin not alone in running himself into the ground for the cause.

As wave after wave of attacks came, Shotton somehow diverted behind for a corner before a last ditch block from Hughes stifled another chance.

As time ticked away, we cleared a corner, before a Norwich player, which was possibly Redmond, decided to catch the ball one-handed. That was the view of over 27,000 but the pantomime villain, standing only a few yards away, saw it differently.

As another corner was forced, you knew what was coming.

The delivery was flicked on by R. Martin, finding Whittaker at the back stick. Still with a lot to do, the full-back angled a volley through the crowd and off the inside of the post. With me willing for a modern-day Christmas miracle and for the ball to go into Grant’s waiting hands, instead the ball rolled the wrong side of the line and into the net. A goal which nobody could say hadn’t been coming.

With four minutes of added time, there was only one team likely to ruin the Christmas party.

In a frantic finale, first Grabban produced an excellent save from Grant down to his left, before a moment of genuine Christmas cheer. Poor defending on the left saw the ball crossed in and Keogh to produce another vital touch. That said, he could only divert the ball to Jermone eight yards out.

With my head already in hands and my Christmas about to be ruined with cold sweats and nightmares, Jerome bought into the feeling of a truce, smashing over into the crowd.

Thankfully, that was that and we had a point in our sack.

A difficult week had ended with a more than difficult game. For my chocolate money, the Canaries were the best side I have seen at Derby this season. Organised, slick and with real depth, I can certainly see them in the shake-up come May.

So no star at the top of the tree for the Rams, as other results caused us unbelievably to tumble down to 5th at Christmas.

It is now down to the three-wise men of McClaren, Simpson and Steele to galvanise the squad. It is also going to be interesting who is lurking behind the advent calendar transfer window.

One thing is for sure. If we don’t make a baubles up of it, pull out a few crackers and keep the opposition under wraps, there is no reason why we can’t still secure promo-ho-ho-ho-tion.

Merry Christmas, thanks for reading and your support and see you in 2015.

Derby County’s promotion year!

Weston’s Player Ratings:

Lee Grant — 7: No chance with any of the goals. Handled and distributed well.

Cyrus Christie — 7: Kept his winger at bay and a couple of trademark runs.

Richard Keogh — 7: Made some vital blocks and interceptions. Will be disappointed to have lost Jerome for first goal.

Ryan Shotton — 6: Did well but gave the ball away far too many times. Looks prone to errors!!

Craig Forsyth — 6: Not his best display. Beaten too easily too often.

Omar Mascarell — 6: Needed him to do more to protect us in the second half.

Jeff Hendrick — 6: Good for 20 mins but unfortunately injured.

Craig Bryson — 6: Didn’t look particularly right all game. Injured.

Jordan Ibe — 6: Guilty of doing the hard work and then nothing else.

Johnny Russell — 7: Well taken goal and ran his socks off.

Chris Martin — Weston’s Star Man — 9: Certainly our north star. Everything positive went through him and won the majority of his battles.

Subs:

Will Hughes — 5: As inconspicuous as I’ve ever seen him.

Simon Dawkins — 6: Added energy.

Paul Coutts — 6: Battled hard.

Match Info / Rams Team:

Ref: P.Tierney

Crowd: 27,974

Derby: Grant, Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth, Mascarell, Bryson(Dawkins 74’) , Hendrick (Hughes — HT’), Ibe (Coutts 81’), Russell , Martin.

Unused Subs: Roos, Naylor, Calero, Best

Match Stats — Rams / Canaries:

Goals: Russell 43’, Martin 55’(Pen) / Jerome 51’, Whittaker 89’

Possession: 42% / 58%

Shots On Target: 1/3

Shots Off Target: 4/14

Corners: 1/3

Fouls: 4/9

We Said / They Said - Match Reaction:

We Said — Steve McClaren:

"This was always going to be a difficult game - our third in a week coming off the back of the Boro game and the fabulous effort against Chelsea.”

"To get the players up for it emotionally was always going to be difficult. We needed to show solidarity and togetherness, grit and determination and character. And we very nearly pulled it off. We made a lot of mistakes and that's what the third game brings you."

They said — Neil Adams:

"We thoroughly deserved the equaliser we got and I thought we deserved to win, to be honest.”

"Our plan nearly worked to perfection. They couldn't get into any rhythm. I watched them against Chelsea the other night and they got into rhythm many times that night - against a top, top team. So that tells you how well we did."

Highlights / Post Match Interviews:

Up Next For The Rams:

Birmingham vs. Derby

St Andrews Stadium

3pm - Saturday 26th December

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls