The iPro stadium started its life in fairytale fashion as the Rams ran over the top of Blackpool in a scintillating second half that included a Chris Martin Hat-trick, Brsyon and Keogh goals and a couple of red cards!
After the Tangerines went ahead in the 3rd minute through Ince, the Rams huffed, puffed and huffed some more but were unable to blow the Blackpool makeshift defence down.
The Rams were the better team in the first half, producing plenty of attack but no polished finish. That one Blackpool goal stood proud at half time for Blackpool in the argument for the defence.
The Rams came out breathing fire in the second 45 - as they stepped up the attacking play with better quality final balls that resulted in not just scoring opportunities but actual scores.
First it was Chris Martin from the spot after a very soft penalty levelled things up. A soft penalty yes, but after the ref missed an obvious hand ball in the box earlier, sometimes these things work themselves out.
Next Martin bobbed up again after great work from Dawkins whose shot was blocked, only for Martin to pounce on the deflection and ram it home.
Bryson made it 3-1 when he popped it in from close range after some brilliant pressure from Derby overwhelmed the Seasider’s defence once again.
Dawkins had been brilliant all day and nearly earned a well deserved goal before being mugged in the box by Bishop. The poorly timed challenge earned Chris Martin a second spot kick and a hat-trick, while for Blackpool Bishop was given his marching orders.
The game then slowly dropped down a few notches as the Rams had put the game to bed, while a wounded Blackpool lamented letting their half time lead be so easily overturned.
When Angel was sent off after 86 minutes, it was Derby vs. 9 Tangerines, which after 3 sending offs in their previous match, will have Blackpool fans questioning their discipline.
But just when the game looked over, Richard Keogh bobbed up to score from a rebounded shot to make it 5-1. You know you things are going well when even Keogh is banging them in.
Party time for DCFC!
A well deserved win by the Rams who despite going behind early, were much more switched on and attacking than earlier in the week against Boro.
And congratulations to Chris Martin on scoring a hat —trick, which after Bryson’s earlier in the season at Millwall, was only the second for Derby in the league since 1986!
The iPro Stadium started its life as the fortress we all so want it to be, while Steve McClaren continues his dream run with an amazing 22 points from a possible 27 since taking the reigns at Derby.
From the moment the first goal went in, Derby never really looked like they would not score, and once they did; only one team was going to win.
RamZone match reporter Ryan Weston was at the iPro for Derby’s big win over Blackpool, so check back here tomorrow for the ‘Weston Report’, which after a 5-1 victory will be one not to be missed!
All the ratings, reaction, stats and more - tomorrow on RamZone!
COYR!!
Derby:
Grant, Wisdom, Keogh, Buxton (Keane, 73), Forsyth, Eustace (Hendrick, 81), Hughes, Bryson, Dawkins, Ward (Russell, 46), Martin.
Unused Subs: Legzdins (gk), Cisse, Sammon, Bennett.
Blackpool:
Gilks, Bishop, Basham, Robinson, Blackett, Ferguson (Angel Martinez, 67), Gosling, Osbourne, Dobbie (Delfouneso, 59), Ince, Davies.
Unused Subs: Warner (gk), Grant, Chopra, Eccleston, Barkhuizen.