Derby earn their stripes against Tigers

At the KC Stadium on a very wet Friday evening in their last game in November of the 2015-2016 campaign, the SkyBet Championship’s tightest defences met. The hosts Hull City had only conceded nine league goals all season and the goal they let in at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate was the first the Tigers had allowed past them in over 551 minutes.

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Article by Fred Gough

Hull City [0] Derby County [2] - Attendance: 17,140

Derby County on the other hand, had certainly strengthened their defensive unit since the change of management in the summer months, had let in eleven and with full backs Cyrus Christie and Stephen Warnock relishing their second chances.

The Rams were forced into one change from their last match, Bradley Johnson had to sit out the fixture due to a five yellow card one match ban, so Irish international Jeff Hendrick who didn’t feature against Cardiff City got the nod from Head Coach Paul Clement.

As the rain poured down, Derby were the more clinical of the two sides when presented with opportunities early on, former Derby trainee guided by the Rams first team coach John Peacock, Tom Huddlestone squandered the first real chance shooting high and wide for the Tigers whereas at the other end, Cyrus Christie found space in the final third of the pitch only for his driving shot turned behind for a corner.

Image copyright – DCFC Media

Further attempts threatened the Hull goal, as Andreas Weimann saw a close range attempt go over and George Thorne was foiled by the former Glasgow Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor also prevented Chris Martin whose header was smothered.

It would be link up play between the Austrian Weimann and captain Chris Martin which started the move for the opening goal of the game, tidy footwork between the two attacking minded players found midfielder Jacob Butterfield to unleash a shot which beat McGregor.

Hull’s response was to increase the possession with their Premier League experienced midfield, but their chances too far and between. It was Derby who appeared more clinical when taking their chances though, and with just over ten minutes of the first half remaining it was the Bradford born midfielder who struck once more, this time on the volley from Irish international Christie’s cross.

Two great saves by former England goalkeeper Scott Carson prevented the Tigers halving Derby’s lead. First denying Huddlestone and then tipping over a header from Abel Hernandez.

Half Time: Hull City 0 Derby County 2

Like the pitch, Derby County soaked up the rain of pressure in the second half, as they put enough bodies behind the ball to keep Steve Bruce’s men at bay.

Shaun Maloney who had grabbed his first goal since returning back to the UK after a stint in the MLS last week had the second half’s best attempt for Hull. Jason Shackell prevented the Uruguayan international Hernandez with a well timed block before the former Manchester United central defender Bruce threw on a double striker for defenders substitution to throw everything at the resolute Derby defence.

Image copyright – DCFC Media

Tom Ince nearly returned to his former employers by putting the icing on Derby’s cake, but the winger’s first time shot flashed wide whilst the chances for the hosts went begging.

Full Time: Hull City 0 Derby County 2

This was a massive statement from Derby. Beating a formidable side like Hull City away to leap-frog them into top spot (overnight before the rest of the SkyBet Championship fixtures of the weekend) will make others start to take note of Paul Clement’s achievements at the club since his arrival in June.

This performance had many encouraging signs from every player who featured in the colours of Derby County. The head coach remarked in his post match interview he believes that his side showed no fear in their presence and had every right to be delighted with the performance his side put out.

Image copyright – DCFC Media

The former assistant to Carlo Ancelotti is very meticulous at his work and it is appearing to rub off on the players as they enjoy the experience of being top of the SkyBet Championship for the first time since early March and the decline of under Steve McClaren really changed the course of the last campaign.

The Rams return to action on the first Sunday of December at Hillsborough against an improved Sheffield Wednesday however after overcoming their sternest test of the season so far, Derby fans will have the belief that a win should be on the cards.

Teams:

Hull City: McGregor, Elmohamady, Maguire, Davies (Aluko – 75), Odubajo (Akpom – 75), Huddlestone, Livermore, Clucas, Diame (Hayden - 82), Hernandez & Maloney ; Substitutes – Bruce, Taylor, Snodgrass, Jakupovic, Akpom, Aluko & Hayden.

DCFC – Carson, Christie, Keogh, Shackell, Warnock, Thorne, Hendrick , Butterfield (Bryson – 69) , Weimann (Russell – 82), Martin (capt) & Ince; Substitutes – Shotton, Pearce, Baird, Grant, Bryson, Bent & Russell.

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