Monthly Archives: November 2014

29th November – Unlucky 13 for the Rams as Leeds knock us off our stride…but not top

30 Sunday Nov 2014

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Leeds United               2       Derby County      0

Mirco Antenucci 43,50

A very 1970’s fixture as the Rams travelled to Elland Road to take on Leeds United, a game that despite the passing of the years, still has a resonance for Rams and Leeds fans of a certain age (i.e. not spring chickens)

The Rams welcomed back fit again Lee Grant in goal in the only change to the starting eleven that won so importantly at Watford. Additionally an illness that kept Leon Best off the bench meant that the highly rated Kwame Thomas took his place.

As the game got underway Leeds seemed to be channelling their 1970’s cynical predecessors in the first five minutes as Chris Martin, Will Hughes and Craig Forsyth were all on the receiving end of fouls.

The Rams did start well though with Johnny Russell in particular looking in lively form but Leeds stepped up after ten minutes and put us under some pressure winning a couple of corners without creating any clear chances

Leeds continuing the aggressive approach they opened with had three players in the book by the half hour mark. The Rams were proving much more efficient, committing only one foul in the first 30 minutes but that also attracting a yellow for Cyrus Christie from referee Mick Russell much to the consternation of the Rams players.

We didn’t cope well with the hectic bustling game that Leeds were determined to create and Omar Mascarell particularly in the first half was struggling to get into the game and was added to the list of bookings when he hacked at a Leeds player.

A regular worry amongst Rams fans, and one repeated after this game is whether we have a weakness against teams that try to rough us up. We have so many skilful touch players but needed a bit more steel in this game to earn the right to play the skilful football we excel at.

Considering the position he plays in much of this kind of thought is expressed with young Omar in mind. He is clearly learning the English game rapidly coming on in leaps and bounds from the start of the season and it may well be that Steve McClaren sees the longer term benefit for us this season in allowing Mascarell to develop further in that crucial defensive midfielder role.

The loss of George Thorne to injury in pre season was a big loss for us and I think we sometimes forget that we are having a good season without, arguably, one of our most influential players of the back end of last season who showed how he could control a game as well as creating chances for us with his excellent passing. If he does end up playing at all for us this season that will be a big bonus.

Leeds won this game with goals either side of half time, their striker Mirco Antenucci being one of three unmarked Leeds players when the ball fell to his feet in the box on 43 minutes and half time optimism was extinguished with a kick in the guts early in the second half as Stephen Warnock’s gallop down the left and cut back from found an again unmarked Antenucci who put away his second of the game on 50 minutes

Derby had more of the ball after Leeds inevitably sat back after the second goal and particularly so after a triple substitution replacing Jordan Ibe, Johnny Russell and Omar Mascarell with Craig Bryson, Simon Dawkins and Kwame Thomas for his debut.

For all of the possession though we did not create a clear cut chance until 82 minutes when Bryson broke free the ball falling eventually to Kwame Thomas who fired over from close range.

This was a well below par Rams performance when despite having more than our share of possession we could not control the game and our precise and pacy passing was not to the fore. It looked like Richard Keogh picked up a hamstring injury towards the end of the game though no word as yet on that.

So our long glorious unbeaten run against Leeds comes to an end after 12 games. As the game ended we found that we were still top despite the result – mainly due to two late goals from Milwall at Bournemouth to peg back the Cherries from 2-0 to 2-2. Football eh?

22nd November – Bryso’s blockbuster bags the points for table topping Rams

23 Sunday Nov 2014

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22nd November

Watford      1                           Derby County      2

Gianni Munari 67                       Jordan Ibe 39

                                                 Craig Bryson 81

It’s often said that the sign of a good team is that they find a way to win even against the tide. Well, this team of ours showed more signs of being a good team after Craig Bryson’s thundering effort into the top corner nine minutes from time sealed an excellent away win for the Rams.

Thanks to the international break it felt an age since “proper” football had been played. This international break, though, has been more interesting than many from a Derby fan’s point of view.

Will Hughes & Jack Butland played for England U-21, Chris Martin started his first game for Scotland against England, Johnny Russell made his debut in the same game creating Scotland’s goal, Jeff Hendrick, Richard Keogh & Cyrus Christie all played for the Republic of Ireland while Simon Dawkins played three games as Jamaica lifted the Caribbean Cup.

Dawkins return only on Friday from his travels led to the one change for the Rams from the wonderful performance against Wolves two weeks ago as Jordan Ibe took his place in the team.

Derby kept possession well at the start of the game and following early corners Jeff Hendrick came very close to putting us into the lead, a shot from the edge of the area being turned by Jonathan Bond’s fingertips onto the post and away.

Watford took a defensive, players behind the ball, approach probably mindful of the Rams threat as they played a deep and less aggressive game than typical from the Hornets at home. There was still danger in their play, though, and it took a terrific challenge by Ryan Shotton to prevent Fernando Forestieri breaking through, a fine save from Jack Butland to keep out a drive from Troy Deeney and on the half hour and a tremendous tackle from Craig Forsyth to deny Forestieri when he looked clean through.

Derby’s patience and persistence paid off with a wonderful goal from Jordan Ibe as the first half drew to a close, taking the ball on his chest from assist master supreme Johnny Russell on the corner of the area; he cut away and curled in a beautiful shot to give the Rams the lead

 Matys Vydra’s introduction at half time for Watford signalled a change of intent from the home team and Derby struggled to hold onto the ball as the game moved into the second half, Omar Mascarell unable to influence the game as he has shown he can do and Will Hughes being starved of the ball. There was, however, a great chance for Chris Martin to put the game beyond Watford’s reach when he found himself clear against the goalkeeper but was unable to fashion a clinical strike.

The increasing sense of the game shifting solidified in 67th minute when Watford equalised through a smart move that cut through the Rams back line and saw Gianni Munari fire into the roof of the net.

At this point the game had a similar feel to the Brentford match as we lost control of a winning situation and saw less and less of the ball as the game drew on, Watford piling on the pressure and Jack Butland being increasingly busy.

A different outcome today though. Sometimes you see a player shaping for an effort from way out and you think…..”naaah”…..but on this occasion with nine minutes to go sub Craig Bryson on for Will Hughes smashed in a terrific shot to grab the three points. Watford did put us under some pressure before the final whistle but we defended well and played out the last minute or so at the Watford end of the pitch which is always the best way to see out a win.

A terrific win then, inflicting Watford’s first home defeat of the season and moving us 3pts clear at the top. Good to see how increasingly at home and solid Ryan Shotton is looking at the back, providing a good mixture of pace and strength which bodes well. Next up that always eye catching game….Leeds United.

8th November – Five star Rams rocket to the top of the League

08 Saturday Nov 2014

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Derby County      5                           Wolverhampton Wanderers 0

 Ryan Shotton 16                                                       

Jeff Hendrick 28 & 55

Johnny Russell 42 & 61

The rain poured down during this game but nothing could dampen the fireworks on the pitch or indeed the spirits of the Rams fans as Derby County romped to a 5-0 win against Wolves and ended the day on top of the Championship.

This was a terrific performance from the Rams, on top throughout, sharp and pacey, incisive and energetic and against a Wolves team, let us remember, that started the day in 6th place with a chance to go joint top had they won.

As Johnny Russell slotted in the fifth goal as the rain poured down it reminded me of something…

Mid day kick-off……game on Sky Sports…..rain bucketing down ….Rams win 5-0…when was the last time that happened….oh yes…March 22nd 2014 when we hammered the neighbours …happy days…

Back to the present and the Rams made one change to the team that beat Huddersfield on Tuesday with Simon Dawkins restored to the starting XI as Jordan Ibe missed out.

You can tell a lot by how we start a game – we came out of the blocks quickly for this game, looked energetic and up for it, and the forensic quick passing game that is so effective was working well.

A so far season’s best attendance of 30,398 (bolstered by a loud and good natured 2,700 from Wolves), was treated to three first half goals, Ryan Shotton getting ahead of his defender at a free kick to force home a header after 16 minutes, Jeff Hendrick accepted a the ball from Simon Dawkins in midfield, ran on and fired home from 20 yards on 28 minutes and Johnny Russell, freed from corner taking duties by the presence of Omar Mascarell loitered with intent on the edge of the penalty area for a corner on 42 minutes, controlled the loose ball, slalomed into the area and slotted home from 12 yards.

In the midst of a whole host of excellent performances Omar Mascarell caught the eye, being a regular and reliable presence in breaking up budding Wolves moves as well as orchestrating our attacks. He is looking more at home with each game played and if we are only just starting to see his potential we are in for some treats for the rest of the season.

Wolves had one good chance to score when the margin was still 1-0 , Sam Ricketts’ cut back finding George Saville unmarked near the penalty spot, his shot, though, was wide and little else that Wolves did troubled us while the game was still competitive.

A delicious move early in the second half saw Chris Martin and Will Hughes release Jeff Hendrick who made it 4-0 and then on the hour Johnny Russell connected with a characteristic Craig Forsyth cross across the box firing high into the net to make it 5-0 and also unveiling an acrobatic goal celebration in the process.

Johnny is rightly a favourite of the crowd, receiving yet another standing ovation when replaced by Ivan Calero today, his work rate is huge and his will to win obvious. It seems that the benefit of his starting in six successive games now is being reflected in his goal scoring with today’s two goals taking his tally to five for the season so far. If JR manages to hit 12-15 goals this season it will bode very well for us.

I treated a Wolves supporting friend to the game today though as the goals rattled in I think he would have objected to the term “treated”. When Jeff Hendrick’s first goal flew in he turned to me and said we were going to beat them 5-0. I shook my head doubtfully, partly out of not wishing to gloat….but how right he was.

The Championship table is looking good tonight and while it is annoying that the international break is upon us again just as we roll out such a good performance we have two blank weeks to admire the table at leisure.

4th November – Rams play it fast & loose but get back to winning ways

07 Friday Nov 2014

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Derby County      3                           Huddersfield Town       2

 Jordan Ibe 7                                      Harry Bunn 22

Johnny Russell 45                              Mark Hudson 90 + 4

Simon Dawkins 77

The Rams got back to winning ways in the Championship after this fluid and flowing game ending Huddersfield’s seven game unbeaten run in the process. 

Mark Hudson’s last gasp consolation for the Terriers made the score line look closer than the balance of play suggested but despite the entertaining football on show Derby’s defence again showed frailties and conceded two goals for the fourth game on the trot.

Those six consecutive clean sheets suddenly seem a long time ago.

The Rams made three changes from the team beaten at Brentford Jake Buxton and Simon Dawkins dropping to the bench and Craig Bryson missing out through injury. Will Hughes, Ryan Shotton and Jordan Ibe started on what felt like the first real winter game of the season as the temperature dropped.

In contrast to the game against Wigan we started sharply from the off and Jordan Ibe almost opened the scoring within a couple of minutes, his fierce drive beating Alex Smithies but being headed off the line in athletic fashion by Joel Lynch.

Our first goal was not delayed for long though as Ibe combined well with Jeff Hendrick who turned smartly in the box and played Ibe in for a smart finish.

It was good to see Will Hughes back in the team and he is most often at the heart of our creativity when he plays. If we are to win promotion this season we need him on the pitch as much as possible.

Omar Mascarell started again instead of John Eustace and he did roll out some crisp incisive passing as well as working hard across and up and down the pitch, but we were careless on the ball too often and the young loanee was prone to trying to force a pass rather than turning and taking the easier option and consequently giving the ball away.

Jordan Ibe & Johnny Russell worked hard throughout the first half to trying and create what felt like an important second goal but too often the final touch of the attack fell short or too long.

The Rams switched off at the back half way through the half and Cyrus Christie lost Harry Bunn allowing him to fire past Jack Butland and apart from a Nakhi Wells effort that Butland turned past the post that was the only clear chance that Huddersfield had created.

The Rams smuggled a goal just before half time to confound the early pint queue poachers – Chris Martin being played in, admittedly looking offside ….but he wasn’t – Alex Smithies made a good save and the ball fell to Johnny Russell who rolled it into the net, looking well offside……but he wasn’t. Cue 1000 or so grumpy Yorkshire fans making the displeasure known at the half time whistle.

This was a much more open game than the one against Wigan and much better to watch – but also scary at times as our habit of making things difficult for ourselves at the back always gave Huddersfield a sniff.

We have to get that solidity and organisation at the back again particularly with games against promotion contenders coming up, but we may be missing Lee Grant much more than we imagine.

Johnny Russell continued his work ethic into the second half and fashioned a chance for himself to make it 3-1 but was foiled by Smithies. He was replaced, to a standing ovation, by Simon Dawkins who within minutes smartly put away a crisp shot from the edge of the area.

We probably should have made it 4-1 for the possession we had but Huddersfield are a decent team and Jack Butland was forced into two sharp saves as the game moved to a close. The lack of concentration at a corner to allow Huddersfield’s second was annoying but the Terriers never gave up and were a credit to their manager.

Talking of which it was a pleasure to see Chris Powell on the sidelines for this game and the affection and respect he is held in at Derby (rightfully so) even after a decade was plain to see. Admittedly the fact that we were winning the game late on made it easier for the Rams fans to serenade him, but even so….a nice touch.

Incidentally there was another example of what a top bloke Chris Powell is after the game when discussing Johnny Russell’s goal he said;

 “We conceded again just before half-time with what looked like a controversial goal at the time but I have seen it since and Martin was not offside, the officials got it spot on.”

How often do you hear a manager saying that? – Pretty much never….

Chris Powell – classy guy…

 

1st November – That sinking feeling as Bees sting Rams at the last

02 Sunday Nov 2014

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1st November 

Brentford   2                                    Derby County      1 

Andre Gray 49                                  Chris Martin 27

Stuart Dallas 90+3

The log jam nature of the Championship was evidenced again as the Rams slipped from top of the league to 5th place owing to this defeat at the hands of Brentford that was capped off by a late late winner from Stuart Dallas.

 For the second league game in succession the Rams went in at half time 1-0 up and ended up losing the game – maybe it is a Uwe Rosler thing as this occurred against his current and former teams – hopefully so as we will now have got this bad habit out of our system until the reverse matches – but there does appear to be a falling away of performance and application across these two games.

Ifs ands and maybes serve no benefit but it is hard to ignore the fact that if, for instance, we had gained 4pts from those two half time positions we would still be top tonight with a lead of 3pts over third place.

The Rams started well in this game, passing the ball around fluently and creating half chances and indeed chances the best of which Simon Dawkins was not able to put away.

A characteristic finish by Chris Martin from an excellent Craig Forsyth cross just before the half hour put us 1-0 up and continues our Number 9’s golden run of form that has produced 12 goals so far this season and 8 goals in his last 8 games.

It is not difficult to see how important he is to us not only from his goal scoring contribution but also what he adds to the build up play and attack.

It is interesting to look at Chris Martin’s career stats before and after last season (2013-14)

Prior to August 2013 he had scored 57 goals in 221games (a goal in every four games roughly) but since the start of last season he has scored 37 goals in 72 games (better than a goal in every two games) a significant upturn in scoring rate and one that certainly puzzles a Swindon Town supporting work colleague of mine who saw him on loan at that club two years ago.

As has been the case in a few games now the Rams tempo went off the boil and allowed the opposition a way back into a game we really should have closed out if we want to live up to ambitions of a top two finish.

Brentford hit Derby on the break as the half was barely five minutes old Andre Grey looping a shot into Jack Butland’s goal and the rest of the half was one that fell into a pattern of even possession without either side really carving out any meaningful chances.

Steve McClaren shuffled the pack in a predictable fashion with Will Hughes replacing Craig Bryson and Jordan Ibe replacing Simon Dawkins, and a little more surprisingly removing Johnny Russell from the fray with Paul Coutts taking his place.

Will Hughes’ presence had an immediate impact and we did look more threatening with him co-ordinating play.

  1. Being wise after the event is the easiest job in the world but why he and also John Eustace did not start is a pertinent question. It was a question, though, that was not particularly welcomed in the after match interview on Radio Derby as we got our first appearance from grumpy Steve McClaren this season in response to Owen Bradley’s reasonable queries.The last ten minutes of the match became more fractious with yellow cards flying around and tempers fraying. The Rams carved out a couple of half chances that never really developed but were not able to hold onto what would have been a decent point as Dallas struck a cross that had made its way across the Rams box first time and it flew into the net. Two home games now before the international break and there is a sense of unease around about our performances in the last two league games. Two confident performances and six points from those home games would give a boost to us all but Huddersfield fresh from their 3-0 win over Forest and Wolves having an excellent season following promotion will be a test for us.

     

     

     

28th October – High Fives as Rams hit back against Kit-men

02 Sunday Nov 2014

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28th October

 Fulham       2                                                    Derby County      5

 Moussa Dembele 27,45                                    Chris Martin 45 (pen)

                                                                          Johnny Russell 47

                                                                          Simon Dawkins 54, 65

                                                                          Jeff Hendrick 62

What’s the phrase ? …..game of……game of two…..that’s it ! …..game of two halves.

 Rarely has the well worn phrase seemed so fitting as the Rams endured a nervy and disjointed first half only to come out for the second half of this League Cup 4th round tie at Craven Cottage and blow Fulham away with a performance of verve and tempo.

Changes ahoy for this game as in came Kelle Roos for the cup tied Jack Butland, Jake Buxton returned to the team after injury replacing Zak Whitbread and Omar Mascarell, Jeff Hendrick and Simon Dawkins replaced John Eustace, Will Hughes & Jordan Ibe.

Fulham made eight changes to their team, something that caused a certain amount of disgruntlement amongst their fans online afterwards, but it did not seem to be causing them any problems as they put the Rams under pressure from the first whistle.

No surprise that the word has got around – squeezing our midfield and pressuring our attempts to play out from the back seems to be the go-to tactic for causing us problems. Fulham certainly seem to have paid attention to the game last Saturday as they started with energy and purpose and put us under pressure.

We did not cope well with the pressure and Kelle Roos made a good early save from Dembele but he was left with no chance as Craig Forsyth played a blind back pass straight to Dembele who put Fulham ahead.

Fozzy has had a few games now where he has only shown flashes of his attacking potential and has looked shaky defensively – whether he can pull out of this dip quickly will be important as he offers the Rams a lot when he is on form.

Bad got worse quickly as Omar Mascarell accepted the ball from Roos but was surrounded by two Fulham players who knicked the ball off his toe and a moment later Dembele was on a hat-trick and we were 2-0 down.

While our play improved during the half we were still not exhibiting the kind of play we have grown accustomed to and prospects did not look good…..then with the first half coming to an end Fulham’s Tim Hoogland handballed a Mascarell free kick and Derby were awarded one of the more obvious penalties of the season which Chris Martin smashed away with feeling.

For all that the first half was troubling the second half was terrific as the Rams shot out of the blocks with pace and energy and were on terms within minutes as Johnny Russell finished a fine move, Simon Dawkins scored a peach of a goal firing into the top corner after great play from Martin & Bryson, Jeff Hendrick fired in a fourth from close range and as the cherry on the cake Simon Dawkins backheeled in the fifth before twenty minutes of the second half had elapsed.

The return of a fit again Simon Dawkins in the last game and a half has shown just why the management rate him so highly and if he can add regular goals to his game he is a potent threat.

 

Fulham had a young side that clearly tired but that should not detract too much from a fantastic second half performance from the Rams.

25th October – A chore, like a visit to the dentist

02 Sunday Nov 2014

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25 October 2014

Derby County           1              Wigan Athletic          2

 John Eustace 45                           James McClean 69, 83

Welcoming Wigan Athletic as visitors is proving to be as pleasurable as a chore, a visit to the dentist or sitting a particularly tricky maths exam.

 Following on from their 1-0 win on New Years Day Uwe Rosler’s Wigan arrived and again made themselves at home imposing their physical strength on the Rams and winning the least welcome guests of 2014 award hands down.

 Wigan appeared to have mastered the art of shutting us down and closing off all of the avenues that we can exploit so well. They are a big physical team who worked exceptionally hard to prevent us having any time and space on the ball. It is difficult to comprehend their league position on this showing though clearly playing at the Ipro is to their taste.

The start to the game did not bode well – Wigan were quick out of the blocks and spent the first five minutes dominating possession and pinging the ball around our penalty area.

Wigan’s pressing made it increasingly difficult for us to play the ball out from the back, something that clearly unbalanced our play, they also allowed Zak Whitbread to take the lions share of possession from Jack Butland and exploited his difficulties in getting play moving.

 This was not solely down to the centre half, who made a number of important tackles and interventions in the game, as Will Hughes & Craig Bryson were completely crowded out in the first half while Jordan Ibe flickered and only Johnny Russell played with any verve and in such a way to pose any questions.

 It was an unusual game in many ways, for long periods Scott Carson’s howitzer like clearances from the Wigan goal were their only creative outlet and for a while a cat & mouse games developed at goal kicks as most of the Wigan players would drift over to one side of the pitch only for Carson’s mortar shell to be launched to the other side trying to isolate a defender one on one – which nearly worked at least once.

For all of the lack of flow and attack Jordan Ibe had one decent chance to put us ahead as he wriggled into the penalty area but fired into the side netting.

Uwe Rosler was a constant and loud presence in the technical area – managing to mix up angry barks at officials and players with winning smiles when it looked like he was about to receive a reprimand. His position close to the touchline lead to what looked like it was going to be the most notable incident in the first half when Johnny Russell battling for the ball with Figueroa was sent flying straight into the Wigan manager, sending him clattering to the ground like an upended skittle….much to the hilarity of the fans, and to be fair, the man himself.

Just as the first half was winding down referee Robert Madley awarded Wigan what looked to me a highly dubious penalty for handball. Step forward Jack Butland to round off an excellent first half for him at the Ipro by saving Tavernier’s penalty and a minute later John Eustace was stabbing into the Wigan net from short range following an excellent Russell free kick. We were 1-0 at half time and that felt good (and unexpected)

Derby swapped Ibe & Hughes for Dawkins and Hendrick at half time and this seemed to be recognition of Wigan’s physical superiority and for the first fifteen minutes of the second half the Rams were on top, with Simon Dawkins to the fore and carved out half chances that, had one been taken, would have closed the match out as another three points.

Sadly though from approx. 65 minutes, I could sense Derby’s momentum fading away and Wigan in turn stepping up. Sure, the two Wigan goals were scrappy with a touch of fortune but save for an injury time free kick from Chris Martin that just whistled past the post there was no real response from the Rams.

Steve McClaren’s growing frustration was clear to see on the sidelines but this was one game that our team spirit and will to win was not able to retrieve.

Still top thanks to other results it was still a thoughtful walk back to the car. Do we have a problem at home games now? – Perhaps too early to jump to that conclusion but a telling reminder that the Championship is the league that always surprises.