Derby County 3-0 Charlton Athletic - e-Derby County Review

Article by e-Derby County Correspondent Chris Harrison

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Derby earned a comfortable victory over a very negative Charlton side that had set up with 11 men behind the ball. Derby never had to get out first gear to take the victory that saw them go 11 points of 7th place to further cement their play off credentials. The Rams also managed to gain 2 points on QPR who drew 1-1 at home to Blackpool and gain 3 points on 2nd placed Burnley who lost 2-0 at home to leaders Leicester.

Derby started very attacking with lots of domination of the possession in the Charlton half. Derby was slowly breaking down the Charlton defence and finally broke them down after 18 minutes. Johny Russell received the ball on the edge of the area, switched it to his right foot and hit a bobbled shot into the bottom corner of the net.

The goal from the Rams didn’t panic the visitors who maintained their men behind the ball tactic. Derby continued to control possession and creating chances with the 2nd goal coming from Patrick Bamford on 38 minutes. A poor back header from Johnny Jackson allowed Bamford space to take his 24th goal of the season and 7th during his loan at Derby County.

The second half started with a new impetus from Charlton but Derby continued their 1st gear pace and allowed Charlton to create chances that tested Lee Grant in goal. Grant’s form has ever been improving during his 2nd spell with the Rams and is looking to be benefitting from his work with goalkeeping coach, Eric Steele.

Derby made the changes to refresh the team that were playing their 3rd game in 7 days. George Thorne was replaced by the returning John Eustace and Conor Sammon came on for the on loan Patrick Bamford after 70 minutes. The changes brought Derby back to dominating possession which brought it’s rewards on 84 minutes. A Johny Russell corner found Chris Martin on the near post, who was able to get a glancing header with the ball finishing in the back of the net.

With Derby able to bounce back from their midweek defeat to Ipswich the Rams will have renewed confidence. With only 7 games now remaining Derby will be looking to get back to winning ways on the road. The last away win coming at Sheffield Wednesday in February. With the play-offs the likely outcome for the Rams there away form will be of concern during the 2 leg tie.

With an outside chance of catching Burnley (with Ings and Vokes out for the season) Derby will need to win all 7 games to stand a chance. Derby will also need to win at least 5 of their remaining 7 games to ensure home advantage in the 2nd leg of the play offs. The winner of the play offs is usually the team in the best form approaching them. With no team currently in any sort of consistent form and Derby’s remaining fixtures, they will have the best chance to gain that vital momentum to see them through to the end of the season.

On to Middlesbrough next Saturday.........

Come on you Rams!

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