Well we got there! After fears of another capitulation out of top 6 — there was to be no déjà vu for the Rams as a fourth consecutive win secured their play-off status.
The first half was full of errors on both sides as each team had reasons to be nervous. The home side like Derby wanted to secure their seasons fate and ensure mathematically they could not be relegated.
Derby struck the first blow when a fabulous cross from Jason Shackell produced an equally impressive leap from Johnny Russell on 37 minutes.
Any hopes that a goal would lead to the Rams producing another goal fest were quickly put to bed as City were injured but not dead. Within a minute of Russell’s goal, Jonathan Kodjia beat Scott Carson to level proceedings. 1-1. Only half a dozen minutes after that the home side were ahead when Richard Keogh had a Wembley moment and cleared a ball directly to Bobby Reid let fly and impressively hit the back of the net from 25 yards. 2-1. Derby came out with more intent in the second half with Martin going close just firing wide and Shackell headed into the cross bar from a Butterfield corner, their increased work rate and fluency on the ball paid dividends. Ince crossed invitingly from the left corner of the box and Craig Bryson did the rest sliding the ball home to once again level things up at 2-2.
Five minutes later some great work from Chris Martin put Ince through in what seemed like a phone box space in the area only for Tom to expertly finish across the City keeper. 2-3
The Rams dominated proceedings in the second 45 but Bristol still gave them some tense moments with Kodjia shooting into the side-netting when he probably should have slotted it home. The Rams saw out the match with 3 points and play-off football assured. 1,027 travelling fans went home happy having seen goals and a match that provided thrilling twists and turns. The job from here will be to keep the teams confidence up and continue their good run into the play-offs. Whatever your thoughts on Wassall, it is becoming harder to say that he has not done a stellar job to stop the rot and ensure the Rams their play-off place. However things pan out from here — he will have ensured that DCFC have a better finish to the season than in 14/15. Plus it seems he has got quite close to the players, as the photo below would suggest.... it's ok Darren... we love him too!!
Perhaps the introduction of Harry to the set up besides the scenes has assisted in steadying the faltering ship but whatever the mix and whatever the reasons — some praise must be given as it seems the massive upheaval has paid dividends. The scenes of celebrations amongst the players pointed to a real togetherness and a team focussed on success. The days of poor body language seem a thing of the past as it was hugs all round and bromance aplenty as the team displayed what seemed to be a mutual buy in.
We will never know if Paul Clement would have been able to get the Rams back on track but it no longer matters. What does matter is Derby are in the play-offs and now have an opportunity to fight for that golden ticket to the top flight. 4th place and a likely meeting with Hull City must be the aim from here as mentally the Tigers will not want to meet the Rams or lose a home tie for the second leg. But the way the Rams are building with each match — it wont matter what they want to give up as in this mood Derby are more likely to just take it. Bring on Wednesday on Saturday — a real test of where we are at — at home in front of 33,000 screaming, excited fans. I can’t wait! COYR!!
Darren Wassall was pleased to secure play-off football :
Craig Bryson was impressed with his teams second half dominance:
COYR!!
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