The RamZone Wrap: Sleet Of Foot Rams Wash Away St Andrews Blues
Saturday, 27th Dec 2014 07:15 by Daniel J Sewart

It was cold, it was wet but the Rams didn’t take long to warm up and then never cooled down, as they washed away the Blues and a 19 year old St Andrews hoodoo.

Derby looked sharp from the outset and more than up to task against a Blues team who had only lost 1 in their last 8 at home.

Jordan Ibe has frustrated Rams fans this season as he is obviously talented with immense skill but with every moment of genius, there are many more when he lets himself down when you know he could do more — hence he has bounced on and off the bench for the last couple of months. But he is young, he will learn and in Macca he could have no better teacher.

At St Andrews Ibe looked like a player who was determined to prove he was worth his starting spot and did himself no harm when he beat two Blues and finished from close range perfectly, opening the scoring for Derby on 9 minutes.

In the past, Derby has at times failed to build on early dominance, especially when it comes to goals, but on this day it would not be an issue. Russell was terrorising the Blues defence and while on a zig, was brought down on the zag. The resulting free kick was taken superbly by Martin's from outside the box, beating the wall and keeper to deliver a 0 - 2 lead and Martin’s 16th goal of the campaign on 22 minutes.

The weather was deteriorating as heavy rain and sleet drenched those in the stands but at least the 2907 travelling Rams had plenty of cheer about to assist in keeping them warm.

HT: 0 - 2

The Rams never really looked in danger of allowing the Blues back into the match and when Forsyth received a great pass from Ibe, the Rams defender unleashed a powerful drive from distance to score. 78 minutes gone and the game was well and truly put beyond the home team and their home dominance over the Rams that had stood for nearly 2 decades.

At 3 — 0 Derby could have been forgiven if they had put the cue in the rack and played out the game until full time and a welcoming warm shower, but like Peppa Pig jumping in muddy puddles, the Rams were enjoying themselves and wanted more before the final whistle.

Johnny Russell had been brilliant all day as he never stopped running up and back, a performance that was all the more impressive considering the conditions, a performance that deserved a goal. He got that goal when his hard running paid off as a poor clearance was intercepted, releasing Russell into the Blues box, and just when it looked like he had been herded too wide by a defender, Johnny shot and Johnny scored on 88 minutes from the tightest of angles.

FT: 0-4

Encouragingly it was a great response to the concerns regarding some of the Rams recent efforts, especially from players who had been questioned like Hughes and Forsyth who were vastly improved.

Birmingham were high up on the Championship form table when the Rams arrived in town, making the dominating display in shocking conditions, all the more impressive.

Injuries and suspensions were also a concern for Derby but the depth discussed at length early in the season, once again looked deep, rather than as shallow as it had in recent weeks.

The Derby County we know and love were well and truly back to deliver the best belated Christmas present we could ask for. Only a win at home to gain revenge on the Damned, could round out 2014 any better.

4 goals, a clean sheet, players back in form and a 19 year hoodoo at St Andrews put to rest. A Boxing Day to remember — especially if you were at the ground as you are probably still thawing out!

Derby County - not beaten in Birmingham for 1 day.

A new record begins here!

COYR!!

Match Info / Rams Team:

Ref: C.Foy

Crowd: 23,851 (2,907 Travelling Rams)

Derby: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Shotton, Forsyth; Eustace, Hendrick (Coutts 66’), Hughes; Russell, Ibe, Martin (Best 86’)

Unused Subs: Roos, Dawkins, L Naylor, Calero, Mascarell

Match Stats — Blues / Rams:

Goals: Ibe 9’, Martin 23’, Forsyth 77’, Russell 89’

Possession: 47% / 53%

Shots On Target: 2 / 6

Shots Off Target: 8 / 9

Corners: 3 / 9

Fouls: 8 / 12

We Said / They Said - Match Reaction:

We Said — Steve McClaren:

"From the beginning we were always in control. We dug in when we had to on occasions.”

"We have talked about being ruthless and they were and it could have been a lot more. I couldn't fault how we want to play and it was a great result."

They said — Gary Rowett:

"I actually thought Derby were the most clinical and threatening side that we have played in the last eight we've played.”

"They showed their quality and class. Their wide players were a constant threat throughout the game."