Morley's Match Musings: To Be Promotion Contenders Rams Must Get The Point
Wednesday, 9th Dec 2015 06:24 by Nathan Morley

This is the second 0 v 0 at Hillsborough in a row now between the Owls and the Rams, although I seem to remember last season’s 0 v 0 having less action.

Overall I have to say this was a good point.

Sheffield Wednesday have only lost once at home all season and that was to Middlesbrough back in August. Brighton only managed the same result as Derby with a 0 v 0 last month. Going into this game and after the Hull one last Friday night, I would certainly have taken 4 points from the two fixtures.

It was a shame not to see Derby with their usual zeal but much of that can be attributed to the hosts’ efforts with a game plan of containing the Rams. They won their midfield battles and didn’t allow Derby any time to do their stuff. Wednesday certainly looked the better side and it won’t be much of a surprise to see them in a similar position come the end of the season.

Lee Grant returned to the starting line- up for the injured Carson and made a great save in the first half and did everything asked of him. However, Carson is proving to be an excellent piece of business and has made the shirt his.

The defence were solid in the game for the most part considering they were facing sustained pressure from the home side. Keogh and Shackell, were again excellent as they continue their flourishing partnership which has very welcome after numerous shaky partnerships at the end of last season.

The Rams have conceded the fewest goals in the division with just 11. The 4-4 at Huddersfield, 3-3 at Millwall and 0-3 against Reading at the end of last season suddenly feel like a long time ago.

The midfield were not at their best, most notably Thorne who was contained. Martin as a result didn’t see much of the ball and neither Ince or Weimann could get into the game. Ince came in for a lot of criticism after the game from fans but when you compare the goal record of the three main wide men of Russell, Ince and Weimann, they all have three goals apiece this season.

A lot of tackles went in during the game, Sheffield Wednesday picked up four bookings while Thorne and Butterfield picked up bookings for the Rams. It was a typically feisty Championship game, something Johnson flourishes in and he was lively on his return to the side but couldn’t make a real impact against a well-organised Sheffield Wednesday side.

On another day the Rams could have won it but on this occasion I’m happy to take the point — a well-earned one. Picking up points against good sides when you’re not at your best — a typical promotion contender attribute.

It’s two consecutive home matches now, starting with Brighton then Bristol. Will the Rams end Brighton’s unbeaten start to the season or will they miss another chance to push towards the summit of the table?

Hopefully we will be feeling dizzy come 5pm Saturday.

COYR!!

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