A great away performance on Monday by Derby held automatic promotion chasers Brighton to a draw. Now it seems that optimism is growing ahead of the play-offs…….

Darren Wassall went into the match with what looks like Derby’s strongest XI on paper — Carson; Christie, Keogh, Shackell, Olsson; Thorne, Bryson, Hughes; Russell, Martin & Ince. No resting players ahead of the play-offs just yet!

Once the starting line up was announced, I am sure I was not the only Rams fan who was fascinated by the chance to finally see the midfield trio of Thorne-Bryson-Hughes play together again.

Brighton started off as the side on top, ex-Leicester winger Anthony Knockeart looked tough to keep out. But Derby grew into the game and ended the first 45 very well in what was overall an even half between two good sides.

Thorne and Bryson took some getting into the game but helped the Rams have the better of the midfield in the second half.

Hughes, meanwhile, was outstanding in just his second start since returning from injury. Calm, neat passing, good battling and a killer assist for Derby’s goal contributed to an excellent performance. How Derby have missed him!

Both sides had chances with the second period very competitive as both teams seemed well matched.

Andreas Weimann coming on proved to be another inspired sub after the Darren Bent cameo against Sheffield Wednesday. Hughes’ control and pinpoint pass paved the way for Weimann to do the rest and make it 0-1.

Bryson going off with an injury was concerning to see, reports stated it was just cramp so fingers crossed he’s okay. His recent impact has been a breath of fresh air in the midfield and will be integral in any play-off campaign.

Derby did well at the back, Keogh and Shackell held firm, whilst Carson did what was asked of him. Unfortunately, however, the resistance was broken in added time.

Gutting, particularly after the Seagulls went down to 10 men with Lewis Dunk seeing red, but that doesn’t take anything away from a good, solid away performance.

Some criticised Wassall making a sub (bringing on Jake Buxton for Hughes) before the corner that resulted in the equaliser by James Wilson. I think the sub made sense to stop Brighton taking the corner with the momentum they had from the attack and also when it is Buxton coming on, he is one player who knows how to defend corners.

Overall the Rams provided the Seagulls a battle and put in a more than solid shift (the best away performance since Hull back in November), moving the ball quickly and defending superbly. It was a fair result and one any Ram would’ve taken before kick off.

Derby have now proven they can get a result against a top side especially when you consider the Amex is a tough venue to take anything from when the hosts haven’t lost on home soil since January 1st.

It all bodes well for the play-offs.

Now it is has been confirmed that Hull will be our semi-final opponents, all that needs to be settled is who will secure 4th place. It can only slip away from the Tigers if they lose to Rotherham at the KC on Saturday but if they do, hopefully the Rams will be able to capitalise by getting a result over Ipswich at the iPro.

Steal 4th from Hull and that optimism will grow further still!

COYR!!

For more of Nathan's articles you can read his blog at www.derbycountyfan.com and follow him via @ramscorner on Twitter.

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