The baby chimp on the Rams back was fast becoming a full grown monkey and if they didn’t get a result at Preston - it seemed like it could become a silverback gorilla!

Luckily for Paul Clement and his team, the growing pressure valve was released somewhat by bringing back all 3 points from Deepdale stadium.

I don’t remember a team sheet that was so eagerly anticipated for some time but when it was announced, there was no room for Bent, Hendrick, Forsyth and surprisingly Scott Carson. Instead there were the 10 million dollar duo, Warnock and Lee (yes really!) Grant.

A bright first half signalled their intent, as did the two goals that Chris Martin expertly put away - but the second half showed big money signings would not immediately solve the problems as the home side could have easily have equalized or stolen the game, such was their dominance in the second 45.

From the outset the Rams had come ready to play — with no sign of the slow starts that have haunted their matches so far this season.

Derby’s new signings in Johnson & Butterfield gave the travelling fans an idea of what we can expect to see from them - with high tempo and shoot on sight football. Butterfield in particular took every opportunity, with multiple shots that kept the Preston keeper on his toes while Johnson had a 20 yard cracker deflected over the bar.

The first of the Rams goals came from a glorious diagonal ball over the top by Johnny Russell that pin-pointed Martin 6 yards from goal, he finished the move by stylishly slotting below Jordan Pickford. Quality move and a quality finish, exactly what the Rams needed.

Derby were desperate for a win to get their season rolling and taking the lead for the first time in a match this season, was the first of their unwanted stats to fall in Preston.

The Rams continued the pressure with Ince and Johnson combining to nearly double the lead but the new boy from Norwich could only find the side netting from close range.

A cynical foul on Johnny Russell on 36 minutes resulted in a free kick to Derby on the edge of the area. Chris Martin stepped up and expertly guided the ball over the wall and into the top corner to make it 0-2 and seemingly putting the Rams recent struggles well and truly in the rear vision mirror.

In the second half the Rams dominance of the first half was blunted as the home team turned up the heat with Garner, Kilkenny and May all firing chances at Grant. The Rams stopper was a surprise selection at kick off but was rewarding Clements decision as he made some great saves to keep the home team of the score sheet.

Maybe nerves had started to get the better of Derby as they knew anything less than a win would not be acceptable not just to them, but frustrated fans. That theory may be true but it also would be unfair to think it was just Derby as Preston were playing well and showing real determination to get back into the contest.

On 77 minutes, Eoin Doyle's 15 yards screamer was brilliantly saved by Grant and on 79 the post came to rescue when Garners shot struck the upright and deflected out.

Chris Baird gave a scare to all at the ground when on 82 minutes he clashed heads with Garner and was stretchered from the ground and taken to hospital. Fortunately the Rams Captain was later released and cleared of any serious damage.

The delay the incident caused of around 10 minutes resulted in the same amount of stoppage time plus meant the Rams had to finish the game with 10 men having used all of their subs.

Just into stoppage time Johnson broke through the depleted Rams with a 20 yard shot that beat Grant and nestled into the bottom corner.

Despite Preston pressuring for an equaliser Derby were resolute and hung on and considering the events late in the game. The team must be applauded as it must have been tough to keep your mind on the job, especially after it looked as if Baird had succumbed to a serious injury.

But in the end, as they say, all's well that ends well!

So now its onto Reading — where getting something is nearly as important as Preston as Clement will want the momentum to continue into what will be a massive home game against freshly relegated Burnley.

So much is still unclear but you get the feeling after the next two matches we will know so much more.

Will Derby get their engines roaring or will they continue to struggle with their Championship favouritism?

We can only hope we hear that roar very soon!

COYR!!

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Photo: Action Images

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