The Rams battled both wild elements and a stubborn Blackpool team at Bloomfield Road — but in the end it was Derby that took not only the 3 points but top spot in the Championship.
Steve McClaren made both forced and chosen changes to the team that won on Saturday, with the injured Grant and Ward replaced by Butland and Russell. After playing while ill on Saturday — Bryson was rested on the bench for Hendrick, Mascarell took over the holding role from Eustace and Shotton was rewarded for his impressive display against Reading by replacing Whitbread.
Derby opened brightly and Ibe could have given them an early lead when he burst down the left and cut inside cleverly. Unfortunately the resulting shot went wide but once again the youngster showed what he has to offer when on song.
That bright spark was soon dimmed for The Rams as they had to play into a very strong wind, which the home team used to their advantage by taking control of the first 45.
Despite having the better of possession — The Rams were under the pump but Jack Butland showed the praise heaped on him by the Derby coaching staff on signing was more than warranted, as he made some telling saves.
First he got low to make a brilliant save from Tony McMahon’s effort, then Ishmael Miller made a probing run that found him charging into the box and shooting only for Butland to once again make a fantastic one fist save as he firmly cleared the danger.
Nathan Delfouneso should have put the Seasiders ahead when he controlled the ball in the box with time and space on his side, luckily for Derby he somehow managed to shoot wide from close range when scoring seemed easier than missing.
The Rams had been chasing Tangerine for much of the half, which was probably easier as it meant they were running with the powerful wind rather than trying to pass or run into it.
Russell had been lively and he bobbed up in the area late in the first half, only for Blackpool’s Keeper to come out and block his shot.
Half time and Derby had survived the conditions and the Blackpool threat. They needed to up the tempo and their job would no doubt be helped by having the wind at their backs in the second 45.
HT: 0-0
Blackpool came out in the second half determined to break down both the howling gale and the Derby defence but it was not to be as Donervon Daniels had a great opportunity as he leapt for the ball - only to see his header sail over the bar.
As the half wore on Derby were running the game out better and began to wear down the home team with their fitness and persistence on display. Russell in particular had been impressive as he pressed hard to ensure his starting spot in the team.
Shotton thought he would try to break the deadlock when he unleashed had a 35 yard screamer that was well held by Lewis. Johnny Russell then thought he would have a crack at this long distance lark when he wound up from outside 25 and produced a fireball that deserved a goal but unfortunately for Russell and Derby, the keeper somehow managed to get a hand to it and tip over the bar.
The Rams were pressing hard and after the double substitution of Bryson and Best for Hughes and Ibe, Derby were finishing the stronger as they began banging louder and louder at Blackpool’s door.
Once again it was Russell’s never ending run that worked to make something happen, and happen it did as he burst into the box only to be cynically brought down by McMahon.
Hearts were in mouths as Martin stepped up to the spot as it seems since Fabrizio Ravanelli missed a crucial penalty against Newcastle all those years ago, one of Derby’s biggest deficiencies has been putting away penalties. Luckily Chris Martin was intent on making it double figures for the season as he converted the spot kick making it 10 for the campaign. With 10 minutes to go - Derby had one hand on 3 points and top spot. The remaining time came and went with both Derby and Blackpool attacks. Bryson and Hendrick both had good opportunities to double the lead while at the other end the home team never really looked like levelling things up, as Derby were determined not top let their hard fought lead slip through their fingers. FT: 0-1
Unbeaten in 12 including 6 Consecutive clean sheets means it’s been nearly 600 minutes since someone has scored against Derby - equalling a record that has stood for over 100 years. And best of all - WE'RE TOP OF THE LEAGUE!! Frankly it’s hard to remember a day that has felt as good as this. Yes there is a long way to go but Derby are learning to grind out results and display the steely resolve that is required to obtain the ultimate success in this league. On top of that our depth was tested (5 changes in all!) yet the boys came through with flying colours, as the competition for spots continues to heat up. A good problem to have! After the match, McClaren suggested the squad is maturing in comparison to last year. So here's hoping like a fine wine they keep on getting better! So far so good….. so, so good!! P.S:
Thanks to Forest for assisting in putting us top — mighty neighbourly of you!
Match Info / Teams:
Ref: K. Wright
Crowd: 11,036
Seasiders: Lewis, Daniels, Rentmeister, Clarke, McMahon, Perkins, Lundstram (Mendy, 84), E.Oriol (Mellis, 66), Orlandi (Zoko, 66), Delfouneso, Miller.
Unused Subs: Milton, Dielna, Cywka, Blackman
Rams: Butland; Christie, Keogh (C), Shotton, Forsyth; Mascarell, Hughes (Bryson, 74), Hendrick; Ibe (Best, 74), Russell, Martin
Unused Subs: Roos, Buxton, Whitbread, Eustace, Calero.
Goals: Martin (81’).
Possession: 34% / 66%
Shots On Target: 4 / 5
Shots Off Target: 9 / 7
Corners: 9 / 10
Fouls: 17/ 12
We Said — Steve McClaren:
"I believe the squad is stronger than last season. I mean we're leaving out players and bringing in internationals in the likes of Jeff Hendrick. That's pleasing.”
"It's the maturity of the group too. We wouldn't have got six clean sheets on the bounce last season.”
"We were very innocent, running about all over the place playing good football and sometimes not getting the results because of it. The maturity of the squad, knowing how to win and what it takes, there's determination in there. We were a young team, we still are a young team but they are showing that maturity."
They said — Jose Riga:
"The players I have at this moment, some of them have not a lot of experience in the Championship and I need some players to help all the team because everything will be easier then.”
"It is not the first time this season (we've got nothing). We created the best opportunities during the first 25 minutes and we had to score. If you can't make the most of these moments when you are good but bottom of the table, you cannot hope a lot."
Derby vs. Wigan
iPro Satdium
Saturday 25th of October - 3:00pm
COYR!!