31200 spectators came to see the third successive Derby home victory over Nottingham Forest. It was a very warm afternoon and an immaculate pitch. The team was Carson, Wisdom, Keogh, Davies, Forsyth, Huddleston, Ledley, Lawrence, Russell, Vydra, Nugent. Subs used later were Martin, Baird, Pearce, Winnal, Weimann, Thorne, Mitchell.
The referee was Robert Madley.
The game started with a bang and then inevitably dampened off a bit. Vydra scored from Derby’s first attack after 25 seconds with a great shot from just outside the area. The goal turned Forest’s game plan inside out and upside down. Instead of containment for the first half hour that I think they might have planned, they were forced to go on the attack and at first they were were quick, enterprising and comfortable on the ball. They created quite a few chances but Derby’s defence including Carson were well up to keeping them out. Carson made many saves but one superb block of a 1 on 1 tussle with Mckay. Johnny Russell particularly looked quick and strong and caused Forest a lot of problems. The referee was excellent in that he kept the game flowing and let go quite a few fouls that many refs would have blown and held up play for. He was even-handed in his lenience and this was all the better for the game as a spectacle. Derby looked as if they were all fit and eager to take them on and the early goal gave The Rams a certain superiority that started to subdue the opposition. Half time came and gradually the game swung totally in Derby’s favour especially after a lovely goal by Nugent who received a great pass in the area from Vydra, kept his composure and slotted in Derby’s second goal. From then on Forest lost their fight and a couple of substitutions Walker and Clough for Cummings and Dowell seemed to make things worse.
For Derby it was great to see Thorne come on for Vydra and Martin for Nugent. GR’s tactics seemed to be let Forest have the ball in their own half and then rely on the passing of Huddleston, the mobility and strength of Russell and the control and trickiness of Lawrence to inflict damage on their defence. It worked, maybe a bit fortuitously with the early goal and later by us dominating a fairly cumbersome Forest defence. Russell was deservedly MOTM but there were several other candidates. Davis, Keogh, Wisdom. But JR was my choice. I would far rather have Lawrence than Ince. But we do miss Hendrick and it us such a waste that Hughes spends his time in Watford reserves.
At the end, Forest were a spent force and I think we may have won the Brian Clough Trophy to keep. There was quite a bit of moaning on 606 which I don’t quite get. I thought there is evidence that GR is setting a successful style of play. And the talent on display - from Carson, through Wisdom, Forsyth who is getting stronger with each game, Keogh and Davis, through to a powerful attack. I think sometimes Hudd looks a weak link. Lawrence has many useful skills and Russell today was a revelation. Vydra looked sharp and powerful and Nugent is intelligent and knows where he should be in any attack. Martin, when he came on started to look like he used to when scoring his 20+ goals. I came home with a nice warm feeling that Forest had been put firmly in their place.
For those who did not attend
posted on 16/10/17
Loved the result yesterday but didn't like Gary's tactics. We should'ov gone for it.Bored me to tears in the first half. Killed the crowd too.
posted on 16/10/17
Good to see 'For those...' back, 3R.
Fantastic day yesterday !
posted on 16/10/17
Thank you Map
posted on 16/10/17
comment by Iwaslevel (U4836)
posted 1 hour, 33 minutes ago
Why did Bucko have that stupid hat on. Would have been great if we had recognised him too.
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To be fair though, with #CB4 front and centre and some incredibly hot blonde to his immediate left, Bucko was lucky to be recognised at all.
I'm sure Cat recognised him hard enough for all of us though
posted on 16/10/17
Thanks for the thanks folks. It nice to know they are are (mostly) appreciated. Especially the Cat one. I can still feel the kiss. I like to mull things over a bit before publishing so it makes them a bit late and then there is not so much response. I hope to do the Sheff Wed
game. I have only once praised Keogh merely to annoy 666. He had a great game on Sunday but JR certainly deserved MOTM award.
posted on 16/10/17
comment by 666 ⚽️ (U11795)
posted 43 minutes ago
comment by Iwaslevel (U4836)
posted 1 hour, 33 minutes ago
Why did Bucko have that stupid hat on. Would have been great if we had recognised him too.
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To be fair though, with #CB4 front and centre and some incredibly hot blonde to his immediate left, Bucko was lucky to be recognised at all.
I'm sure Cat recognised him hard enough for all of us though
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Sadly haven't seen anything except the goals
posted on 16/10/17
Heb! We all want you to keep safe up there in the ex-hurricane winds. Stay indoors, crack the malt, get the Gugas braising and make sure your hounds are safe and sound.
Let us know how you are faring.
posted on 16/10/17
Most kind 3R. Think it is south and west of us so Igor may have a bumpy journey home.....Mind you my satellite dish has just blown off but at least it stayed up for the game!
posted on 16/10/17
comment by HebridesRam (U2909)
posted 4 hours, 11 minutes ago
Most kind 3R. Think it is south and west of us so Igor may have a bumpy journey home.....Mind you my satellite dish has just blown off but at least it stayed up for the game!
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Stay safe and sleep well, Heb. And hope you're safely home, Igor.
The southern end of the Iberian Peninsula is calm, apart from some sections of the populace recording their approval/disapproval of the latest incacerations in the traditional manner - standing on their terraces, banging sauceans with wooden spoons
Night night all xx
posted on 16/10/17
Northern end of the peninsula
Incarcerations