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Morley's Match Musings: Flood Of Goals Makes Up For Ince's Dry Spell
Thursday, 17th Dec 2015 06:54 by Nathan Morley

Paul Clement has a big squad packed with quality cover all over the pitch. So why not use it?

I have been hopeful that he’d give one or two players a run, including one Darren Bent who I wrote about in one of my recent articles.

What was, however, surprising was that BOTH Thorne and Martin were rested. Fair play to the manager for trying things out and keeping players (and fans) on their toes. When the team ran out on Tuesday night, Clement had gone with an attacking 4-3-3-1 to do battle with a struggling Bristol City side.

Tom Ince has faced intense criticism from fans of late but I though he showed good signs with a lively game on Saturday v Brighton and was unlucky not to score on the day. This time round he had luck in abundance, surely a hat-trick against Bristol makes up for his dry spell!?

In the middle of the 3 in the 4-2-3-1 he was excellent, picking up loose balls, running with it, tidy footwork and good in front of goal. Perhaps against a different opponent he would not have been able to find as much space but huge credit to him for a top performance and a reminder to his critics what he is capable of. Tuesday night was well and truly his night.

It was also good to see the ever busy Johnny Russell score from a fabulous leaping header following good build-up play by the Rams.

The back four weren’t troubled much but the visitors did have a couple of efforts, including one that rattled the woodwork. Warnock again had a solid game and was skipper in Martin’s absence.

Former Derby goalkeeper Frank Fielding had a rough night on his return to Derby, not just because of his error that led to Ince’s second, but repeatedly he didn’t catch crosses when it seemed reasonable to do so. Perhaps it got to him being back in old surroundings.

The introduction of Butterfield and Thorne as subs gave the Rams more control in midfield and quickly after they both were injected, it was clear that Derby were in full control and got things going again. Prior to that I think Johnson & Hendrick didn’t work as well together & got caught out a couple of times. Johnson was much deeper than usual and not on his A game while Hendrick never really in the game.

Having finally been given a starting opportunity, Bent had a good game, he was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet but was instrumental in creating two of the goals.

His runs in behind the defence when a player is heading towards goal behind him, are that of a quality striker, very rarely does it arrive at his feet but it must confuse the opposition defence!

Overall it was a good home performance with plenty of goals, what more can you ask for? Without the introduction of the subs I don’t think the margin would’ve been quite so high, so credit to the manager for making the right changes at the right time.

Also the fact that Bristol City were poor & couldn’t counter as well as other sides that have come to the iPro, was definitely a factor in how the game played out.

Next up is Ipswich away. Tough fixture.

Despite the change of guard up front I would revert back to Martin on Saturday at Ipswich. I think that is the type of game where Martin is a must.

It’s looking very tight at the top so strap yourself in for what will be a crucial and busy festive period.

COYR!

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


Match Highlights:


Gaffer / Player Interviews:

Paul Clement post match interview:


COYR!!



Photo: Action Images



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