When Nigel Clough arrived at Derby County many saw him as the clubs savior. If that is to ever come to pass then it seems Shaun Barker is set to play a very big part.

Attendance: 17,630 (1,821 Raucous Rams)

Referee: Andy D'Urso

Goals: Barker (Derby) 20’

Teams:

Coventry: Westwood, Wright, Clingan, Stead, Morrison, Deegan (Sears 79’), Craine (Hussey 69’), Gunnarsson (Bell 66’), Barker, Barnett, Wood

Unused Subs: Konstantopoulos, Hall, McPake, Jeffers

Derby: Bywater, Leacock (Hunt 45') , Barker, Anderson, McEveley, Tonge (Teale 88’), Green, Savage, Pearson, Porter, Hulse (Davies 84’)

Unused Subs: Deeney, Martin, Sunu, Cywka

Match Report:

When Nigel Clough arrived at Derby County many saw him as the clubs savior. If that is to ever come to pass then it seems Shaun Barker is set to play a very big part.

The relegation zone is fast disappearing on the Rams rear view mirror as a mid-table finish must now become the focus to build confidence and momentum for next season.

The inch-perfect goal from Shaun Barker was the difference in the end and he himself has been the difference between survival and hanging by a thread in the drop-zone as not only did the goal prove to be the winner, it took Derby past the much sought after 50-point mark and five games unbeaten.

That team welcomed the return of Rob Hulse to the starting line up and found Dean Leacock continuing at Right Back ahead of Nicky Hunt.

Not a minute had passed after the opening whistle when there was a scare for the Rams as Jonathan Stead turned sharply on the ball and only narrowly missed the target.

Clinton Morrison tried to go one better only a minute later but instead found the safe hands of Stephen Bywater who was looking well in control of his domain as he then went on to save another decent effort from Stead.

At the other end Coventry keeper Keiren Westwood had been more a spectator than most residing in the stands but he was soon pleading the Sky Blues case when the ball snuck in and out of his goal.

It was in the 20th minute that Barker managed to get the ball just far enough over the line before it was cleared – to take the lead for the Rams.

Michael Tonge took a corner and picked out the head of Rob Hulse who flicked the ball on to the near post. Barker struck the ball with his outstretched left foot and from under ten yards put the ball far enough over the line - before being hoofed clear – for the officials to award the goal.

After the goal Derby sprang to life and the tempo lifted as confidence grew amongst the Rams players while Coventry battled hard to pull back a goal.

Stead went close again when his header was saved by the ever-present Bywater who perhaps should have been checked by the referee as it seemed he had the ball on a string.

The Rams began to dominate as the half drew to a close but some promising play often broke down as poor passing in the final third let Coventry off the hook when perhaps the visitors could have doubled their advantage before the break.

HT: 0 – 1

Carl Baker came out in the second half and decided to be next to attempt to beat Bywater and although his shot was a cracking effort, it was well deflected by the Rams stopper.

Rob Hulse got into the thick of things but could only manage to miss-hit an effort that would have gone close should he have managed to hit it truly.

Hulse was substituted for Stephen Davies who once on the pitch tried to make his mark as he made a good run that ended in a dangerous shot that only just flashed wide of goal.

Coventry were attempting to build the pressure on the Rams but even the fact that Nicky Hunt had replaced an injured Dean Leacock at half time, the back four stood firm and looked to be a good bet to keep out the light blue invaders.

Just when it looked like the storm of pressure had been weathered, Chris  Hussey stepper up and struck truly as the clock ticked over into the 93rd minute.

The home crowd celebrated and Rams fans sunk into their seats. That was until they noticed a lone figure holding up a flag in his hand, letting the referee know that the goal had been – in his humble opinion - offside.

Referee Andy D'Urso and his assistant kept Rams hearts in mouths for a while longer as they discussed the situation for longer than two old friends catching up after a decade.

When the discussion ended, the goal was no more and the final whistle was blown.

Coventry fans rabid, Derby fans ecstatic and officials looking for the side door.

FT: 0 – 1

Two wins in a row where luck has been delivered in abundance for the Rams.

After a season that has seen its fair share of seemingly obvious decisions go against Derby, it seems the Football gods have decided to square the ledger.

That said, the Rams have two gods of their own in Barker and Bywater who have given the club and its fans Championship football for another season.

Next up it's Ipswich at home and hopefully an unbeaten Easter run.

Barker Of The Match:

Shaun Barker - This is getting repetitive.

But class has a habit of being so.

Goal-scorer, season saver, future Captain and all round star.

Bywater can count himself unlucky as runner-up two weeks in a row but if Rams fans fall much more in love with Shaun it may get awkward.

Is it so long since we had such a hero to worship?

Yes.

Nuff Said.

Managers Reaction:

Nigel Clough speaking to the Official Site:

"We deserved today, the clean sheets we are recording and the resilience we are showing gives us a great platform to build on".

"Although we aren't mathematically safe just yet the win does take some pressure off, just like the victory over Leicester City a week ago."

"Every effort we have will be going into Monday's game against Ipswich to get the win which we hope will wrap up Championship survival".

"We hope we can do it for the fans, and with another big crowd behind us on Monday we really want to get the job done".

"From there, we want to kick on in the remaining games and not rest on our laurels".

"We want to go into the summer giving everyone a degree of optimism."

"Michael Tonge has a slight calf injury so we will assess him to see how he is, Dean Leacock is a doubt now for Monday, so if he isn't fit Nicky Hunt will play again."

All Conquering Hero Reaction:

Shaun Barker speaking to the Official Site:

"Five goals is a good return to be honest and I am happy," he said post-match.

"I'm just delighted with the win today, it was a big three points for us".

"We just want to win every game we can now and believe me we won't be taking our foot off the gas in the remaining games".

"We want to beat last season's points total and show some progress".

"I didn't think anyone got a touch but it happened so quickly it was hard to tell".

"I wasn't sure why the goal was ruled out - for a touch or interference - so it was a slice of luck we deserved".

Next Match:

Derby County v Ipswich Town
Pride Park Stadium, Derbyshire
Monday 5th April – 3pm

Photo: Action Images

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