The RamZone Wrap: Tight Tussle Lives Up To Blockbuster Billing
Wednesday, 11th Feb 2015 12:48 by Daniel J Sewart

Before the match they started as equals at the top of the table and after 90 minutes of pure class football. Bournemouth and Derby found nothing had changed, except that a new team had stolen top spot.

Both teams came into the match looking to get a break on their opponent and Derby came out of the blocks breathing fire and looked like a challenger ready to take the title.

Despite the Rams bright start - it was the home team that struck the first blow. Wilson charged down the right before firing in a cross that was chested down by Kermorgant - this set up Ritchie who sent an unstoppable volley into the bottom right corner on 12 minutes.

An amazing goal that left Lee Grant with no chance - things had started badly. 1-0.

Things went from bad to worse when on 15 minutes Chris Martin limped off the field with an injury. Luckily for Derby they have a more than ready made replacement on stand-by with Darren Bent quickly climbing to the tip of the Rams formation.

Wilson went close after a poor clearance from Keogh and Bent nearly levelled things up with a volley after a brilliant chip from Hughes put him in on goal.

After his heroics on debut, Tom Ince had been lively and looked threatening. Threat turned into a goal when Bent cleverly robbed Cook of the ball and crossed back to Ince who finished the striker’s good work with a solid shot from 12 yards on 30 minutes. 1-1.

The Rams were gaining the ascendency and looked as if they may run over the Cherries now they had got back on terms but with half time in sight — the home team struck against the run of play.

Kermorgant chased down a long ball and found Wilson who was able to send a rocket past Grant and into the top corner of the Rams goal. 2-1. The whistle blew and somehow the Rams were behind with the job ahead of them.

HT: 2-1

The Rams re-entered the fray with it all to do and looked like the goal before half time may have taken the wind out of their sails as the first 20 minutes of the half found Bournemouth looking the more likely to go on with the job.

But then just as the Cherries did at the end of the first half — Derby scored against the run of play to resuscitate their chances.

Substitute Simon Dawkins had added a much needed spark to the Rams and his creativity set up Darren Bent as Dawkins cross found the former England striker, who with pure class, took the ball in his stride and thundered the ball into the net from 6 yards.

2-2 and the match set up for a huge finish.

Following the equaliser the Rams had a spell of total domination as the Cherries could barely clear the ball from their box. They had nearly every player back trying to stifle wave after wave of Derby attacks - as you could sense the visitors could smell the blood on the wind.

Tom Ince had the best opportunity after brilliantly beating 2 defenders - he looked to be clean through and certain to score - only a brave last ditch effort from Cherries Captain Tommy Elphick saved the home team from going behind.

With the Rams unable to capitalise on their dominance - the game slowly fizzled out with two teams running out of gas as every player had given every ounce of energy to their respective causes.

At the end it finished all square with perhaps the Rams shading their hosts in terms of football - but in all fairness - a draw felt like a win for both teams as really neither deserved to lose but easily could have.

Never more was a point made far better than three lost.

A genuine top of table blockbuster that more than lived up to its billing.

FT: 2-2

The Rams can be proud of their efforts as even their gaffer was truly happy with the performance. McClaren was glowing of his team and the match, only lamenting that the game was there for the taking — especially after their second goal.

In particular Hughes, Hendrick, Bent, Ince, Forsyth and Buxton were enormous as the squad is showing more maturity and an even greater desire to win — never looking down and out — even when the scoreboard says otherwise.

The statistics alone show that taking a point from the league leaders on their turf - when they are 9 from their last 10 matches at Dean Court - is no mean feat.

The day started with the teams 1 and 2 but while the leaders battled it out - another contender leaped over them with Boro claiming victory to take top spot.

It’s tight and will go right down to the wire — but one thing this match proved is that when the final bell sounds — both Derby and Bournemouth will be in touching distance of the prize.

For me I sincerely hope that if Derby can manage top 2 — then Bournemouth are also in that duo based on this performance, they would be more than worthy of that honour.

For now though it’s onto the 5th round of the FA Cup at home to Reading before we head back into league action on Tuesday night at Rotherham.

From here on in — every match is a BIG match.

COYR!!

Match Info / Rams Team:

Ref: Mark Clattenburg

Crowd: 11,031

Derby: Grant, Christie, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth, Mascarell, Hendrick, Hughes, Ince, Ward (Dawkins 66’), Martin (Bent 15’).

Unused Subs: Roos, Bryson, Shotton, Warnock, Lingard.

Match Stats — Bournemouth / Derby:

Goals: Ritchie (12’), Wilson (44’) / Ince (30’), Bent (68’)

Possession: 55% / 45%

Shots On Target: 4 / 6

Shots Off Target: 8 / 8

Corners: 3 / 8

Fouls: 10 / 11

We Said / They Said - Match Reaction:

We Said — Steve McClaren:

"Darren Bent has come on and showed his quality. Losing Chris Martin was huge and we had to change things around but Darren gave us something different. He has had to be patient and wait for his chance but he will get the opportunity to play some games now.

"The game was a credit to both clubs and I thought we were magnificent. We showed great character to come back twice. Today was a big game. We handled Wembley which was also a big game and should have won and credit to the players for coming back from that and going again this season."

They said — Eddie Howe:

"We were below our best. We were not as sharp and positive as we usually are with our passing. In the end, even though we scored two great goals, the fact we did not get beaten was positive."

"It is a learning curve and I back the team to come back stronger for it. If we could have played anywhere near how we can the result would have been different. The next stage for us is to put our stamp on our revivals. I don't think we have done that against the sides we will be battling with at the end of the season."