Although the late equaliser from Best felt like a killer blow, Blackburn were well worth their point as Derby dropped deeper and deeper as the match wore on. Taking off Russell, Hughes and Martin seemed to not help matters as we went forward less and less, and personally I felt the equaliser was inevitable. Although I think we do have a stronger squad than last season, I still feel Clough is still a little too cautious and invites teams on. All well and good when you have an effective defensive midfielder and an outstanding back four to keep a clean sheet, but sorry, we don't.
Oldham vs. Derby
Boundary Park
Tuesday August 6th - 7:45pm
Match Preview by George Martin
Anyway, we look forward (I think!) to the 1st round of the Capital One cup when travelling to Oldham on Tuesday evening. Personally, I find it strange that the game has not been moved to the Wednesday with Derby playing at 4pm on Sunday. Not much 'recovery' time, so I suppose a few of the starting 11 will change.
Many fans will be aware that apart from a great run in this cup in 2008/09, which resulted in a semi-final against Manchester United, Derby's record in the past 10 years is appalling. Derby have been knocked out in either round 1 or 2 of this competition 9 out of the past 10 years and were actually knocked out at home in 2002 by losing to Tuesday's opponents 2-1 after extra time.
League 1 side Oldham began their season with a 4-3 win away to Stevenage. They are managed by 32 year old (yes, 32!) Lee Johnson, son of Gary Johnson the
Yeovil Town manager. He took over in March after Lee Dikov was sacked in the February and guided them to safety in the final few games.
The Owls have signed ex Derby trialist Adam Rooney and forward Christian Montano who is lively, strong and skilful. Many of you will remember their
memorable victories over Notts Forest and Liverpool in the F.A. Cup last season.
Despite the frustrations of Sunday's late equaliser and Derby's woeful record in this cup I am going to remain positive and go for a Derby win.
The grit of Buxton, Keogh, Sammon and Bryson, combined with the skill of Hughes, Ward, Martin and Hendrick will surely see us through by the odd goal. However, would any Derby fan really see this as a massive shock or upset if we lost?
Probably not.
By the way, although I was at the game, I did manage to see Mark Almond......er I mean Shaun Barker in the Sky Sports studio at Sunday's game.
Did anyone else?! - Hilarious.