Derby came into the game in good form but still with a mountain to climb to ensure safety in the Championship and Town with an impressive unbeaten run. Town were very much on the front foot early on and Derby trying to play out of defence got themselves in trouble. Richard Stearman on his first return since leaving Town tried to rescue the situation but he went in with studs showing 2 footed into O’Brien. Stearman was also the last man and therefore the referee had no option but to send him off. Derby who would have kept things tight at the back then played with all outfield players behind the ball for the remainder of the game. This made it difficult for Town to get the opener. We were perhaps guilty of overplaying it in the final third but the players remained patient although the crowd were not. Allsop produced a number of saves to help keep Derby in the game but eventually we got the breakthrough. Holmes finding a bit of space on the edge of the box with 15 minutes to go shot, it took a deflection to lift over the keeper and into then net. Derby had to then come out and play it was no surprise that we went 2 up when Wards shot was turned away for Rhodes to score his first since his return.
Nicholls
Impressive again with his command of the defence. Derby never really tested him throughout.
Rating 7
Lees
Good and controlled performance.
Rating 7
Pearson
Was solid at the back throughout.
Rating 7
Turton
Had a good solid game.
Rating 7
Hogg
Was used in several positions as we tried to force the opening.
Rating 7
Toffolo
Good performance finding space on the left. He performs better in attack without Koroma occupying the same space.
Rating 7
O’Brien
My MOM he was always a thorn in the side for Derby who appeared to target him and resorted to trying to kick him off the pitch in the end.
Rating 8
Sinani
Struggled to get the breakthrough but did ok.
Rating 6
Thomas
Was bright throught and DErby struggled to manage him.
Rating 7
Ward
Looked bright but struggled with a lack of space to operate in as Derby dropped deeper all the time.
Rating 6
Holmes
Had a good first half finding space in pockets but had been disappearing from the game until he popped up to score against his previous club.
Rating 7
Carlos
Full credit to Carlos bringing Eiting on at half time as he identified that the game was there for the taking. He even took defenders off for front men as we went in search of the 3 points. Tactics were good and he ensured that we remained patient went other teams might have started hitting long balls in hope.
Rating 9
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