Morley's Musings: Do Derby Have A Penalty Problem?
Monday, 29th Sep 2014 13:34 by Nathan Morley

After two 2-0 wins in a week, Derby have the comfort of a week containing two home games.

Both victories have been good, polished victories with one very pleasing aspect being the two clean sheets, especially as the Rams hadn’t kept a clean sheet since August.

Richard Keogh, after a few pre-season jitters, is looking great in the heart of defence and he has now committed to the club by signing a new contract. Cyrus Chrsitie, although dropped for the Nottingham Forest game, has adapted to Championship life very well indeed.

The midfield seemed to have found its balance even before this impressive week but this week has highlighted the midfield’s ability to control games. Furthermore, Craig Bryson appears to have found his feet after a difficult start.

The Week Ahead

On Tuesday night, AFC Bournemouth makes the trip to Pride Park. Eddie Howe’s side has had a great week too, beating pre-season promotion favourites Cardiff 3-0 away from home in the League Cup and following it up with a 2-0 home victory over Wigan.

On Saturday, Millwall make the trip north to take on the Rams. I still remember that loss to the Lions last season with the excessive time wasting. In fact, that defeat on home soil is one of only two home league defeats under Steve McClaren.

Penalty Problem?

Last season Derby failed top convert 6 of their 11 penalties. Chris Martin has missed two of the six he has taken and on Saturday saw his penalty saved at Bolton Wanderers.

The question now is - who should take the team’s spot kicks?

Martin Begins With A Bang!

At this exact date last season, Chris Martin had scored six goals, the same amount he has now. In total he managed 25 goals last season but it’s always difficult to follow up such a good season - so it’s good to see that the signs are good.

Sammon At Ipswich

Conor Sammon’s loan move to Ipswich Town was no doubt greeted with one or two cheers around Derby.

Much to my surprise, he scored for Town recently, though it is worth pointing out it was a rebound having hit the ball directly at the goalkeeper (see the video below from the 1 minute mark!).

On the weekend he was back up to his old tricks, missing an open goal.

In the match in which he scored, Sky Bet offered its customers a boost in odds at half time for Sammon to be next to score!

And I didn’t think 10/1 was generous!

Till next time… COYR!!