 Tuesday, 18th Aug 2009 22:07 The Rams went into their 3rd fixture of the 2009-10 Championship season hoping to get back on track after the disappointing defeat at Scunthorpe United. Manager Nigel Clough had more options available for the Tuesday night fixture at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool, with players returning to full fitness after injury and he was able to pair centre forward Rob Hulse with Kris Commons as the attacking spearhead in the starting line-up for the first time this season. The manager handed Robbie Savage the captaincy though Paul Connolly was selected in his usual right-back berth; perhaps Connolly has been assisted to concentrate on his wavering form, whilst Savage has another chance to show he can still be a leader of men. Clough resisted the temptation to pitch Shaun Barker into the defence against his former club and so Connolly, Addison, Buxton and Moxey continued there. A midfield four had the width of Croft and Teale out wide and Pearson and Savage in the centre. McEveley dropped to the bench alongside Paul Green who still has a foot injury. Barker and the recovering Dean Leacock were defensive substitutes, and Varney and Pringle were the other outfield subs. Blackpool’s ex-Rams’ stalwart Ian Evatt lined up for the Seasiders, who had managed two 1-1 draws from their first fixtures. Derby started brightly and forced the pace and showed attacking intentions with Commons, Croft and Pearson all busy but early crosses into ‘Pool’s area were not productive. The Rams forced early corners and Blackpool had to play on the break. The game settled into a mediocre stalemate with little accurate football being played and neither goalkeeper troubled in the first half-hour. Blackpool almost changed that when Euell was close to connecting with a deep cross, the direct Tangerines getting braver in attack. It was scrappy, low-quality fayre though with more excitement generated by an off-the-ball clash between Robbie Savage and Alex Baptiste than most of the attacking moves as the first half drew to a close. Rob Hulse had been well monitored by Evatt and Jason Euell had been subdued by Miles Addison Although Kris Commons flickered occasionally for the Rams, it was a disappointing spectacle for home or away fans. The Rams had at least looked a little tighter in defence and a touch of quality could nick the match. Miles Addison headed just over from a Commons centre shortly after the restart and Hulse rapped in a shot over the bar from 16 yards. There was still a glaring lack of quality and incisiveness although the Rams were trying to play neat football, winning corners and keeping ‘Pool under control at the other end. Green replaced Croft on 67 minutes then Teale, switching to the right wing, was fouled outside the area when causing danger but Rachubka eventually gathered the loose ball. Blackpool won a free kick straight away on the edge of Derby’s area and Bywater had to turn Baptiste’s pot-shot around the post for a corner. Bywater unwisely went walkies from a throw-in and almost presented Blackpool with dangerous possession after 78 minutes as Derby’s defensive comedy reappeared momentarily. Then Pearson and Commons raided on the break in an exciting but unproductive burst. Varney replaced Hulse on 80 minutes after a quiet night for Rob on his return to action. Commons won a free kick but unlike his great scoring strike in the corresponding fixture last season, he lofted his shot over the bar as Derby continued to attack in the closing stages. Two minutes from time, McEveley replaced Kris, who had a bright return to the starting line-up.
A clean sheet and the reward of an away point can’t be sniffed at - and the Trees lost 2-4 at home to widen the smile on the faces of Rams fans. Manager Nigel Clough was much happier with the improved defending and teamwork though wished the Rams could have provided a decisive moment of match-winning quality going forward. Derby remained in mid-table (12th) and will take heart from keeping it tight on the northwest coast. Now we look forward to taking on Plymouth Argyle at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.
Paul Rachubka Substitutes: Matt Gilks Derby County: Stephen Bywater Substitutes: Saul Deeney Referee: E Ilderton Attendance: 8,056 (1,303 travelling Derby County fans) Photo: Action Images Please report offensive, libellous or inappropriate posts by using the links provided.
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