Right now watching Derby County is a little like arriving at a cafe, the only one in town, just before they are about to close.

You scan the counter and all that's left is a solitary cheese sandwich. You're hungry, you need sustenance. You hum and arr. You take the sandwich, a cup of tea, pay for the privilege. Taking your seat you prepare to eat.

The wrappings' off, bread edges curling, crust dry as French toast and the cheese sweating. It's unappetising in the extreme, it has no appeal. Yet you are starving, you bite down and swallow. It's a bitter pill.

A similar bitter pill, not a single shot on target, the closest we come to scoring is a cross from Butterfield which almost grazes the post. Almost.

Almost the same side that played in the cup against Man U, just Hendrick in for Johnson.

We start strongly, first impressions are good, a four star hygiene statement on the door if you like. We relax expecting if not a goal feast then at least wholesome fare.

What we get is possession, forward runs by Hendrick and the man masquerading as Nathan Tyson. They're not found by Warnock and like sugar cubes left out in the open they clump together, two runs not a single pass possible, no options, the ball goes backwards or is lumped hopefully into the centre.

In the centre, Martin runs around and chases, he throws himself like a punch drunk boxer, never getting close to the target. The blue and yellow armed Preston Shirts have the clearer chances.

We drag the game on like a patron using the tearoom just to keep warm, we are down to the dregs of the cup yet still we cling on hoping for a free refill or at least some refreshing satisfaction.

It never comes.

Carson comes to the Rams rescue, tipping a fierce drive over the bar for a corner while corner after corner for our lot comes to nowt.

Nowt happening footy wise, the players show fight. Amongst themselves, Christie, Thorne in separate instances. A melee, feet flying, fists flowing, the referee more interested in a player on the floor. Two cautions later and the game recommences.

Camara replaces the Tyson clone, Bryson and Russell relieve Hendrick and Ince and we shuffle nervously around the iPro.

Preston manage a couple more shots on target. We don't.

Three minutes of injury time later and the final whistle leaves boos echoing round the stadium.

We traipse out, warm up in our stationary cars and listen to Clement on the radio, he understood the crowd reaction, he praised the South Stand for continuing to support the team. By definition therefore the rest of us presumably aren't worthy. Thanks Boss.

Returning to the cafe analogy if we were actually in a restaurant we would never go back if we were served such poor fodder time after time.

Time for Derby County to find some new recipes methinks… Or a new chef.

Now where did I put those Pyklets....

Match Highlights & Stats:

Gaffer / Player Interviews:

Paul Clement speaks about the frustration of players fans and himself.

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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