Mens 3rd Vs Nuneaton 28/02/10 - Safety Secured?

This weeks fixture found Derby at home against Nuneaton.

Nuneaton have been picking up points since the Christmas break and creating concerns for our safety in East Midlands 1. This match was a must win for Derby to ensure we have some breathing space for the remainder of the season.

The first half started with Derby in command and looking the more skilful of the two teams. Sadly some tackles became somewhat scrappy with Derby starting to panic and not use time for sensible passes.

By the midway stage the score was level at 1-1. Even with a bazaar Nuneaton short corner goal. The half time team talk focused on communication between the formation lines and space awareness (thanks to Karl Lucas who demonstrated this method on Tuesday night, it actually works!!!!! )

Needless to say the team were looking to push for an early second goal. Matt Hexter playing his first thirds game this season created all sorts of trouble for the Nuneaton defence and the partnership with Sonny Johal was a good call by Chris Packer this week.

Pete Chesney had the flexibility on the left wing this week that he has wanted all season and had multiple runs past his Nuneaton counterparts to add to the attacking force. Rambo had the same luxury on the right and had several chances to walk through to the goal and ask questions of the Nuneaton keeper.

Some frustration was building for a second goal and Jez Sear was keen to push the team forwards with excellent though balls to Ben Taylor. Unfortunately for Ben he was quickly surrounded by the Nuneaton players to refuse him an overdue goal.

Matt Hexter soon found himself in some space at the top of the D and with a falling reverse stick flick Derby took the advantage. From this point Nuneaton rarely troubled the derby players with Darren Howard standing firm at left back. Sam Taylor had a fantastic game as the defensive mid which allowed me to stray forwards and take some shots on goal. Nuneaton were thankful they had a strong keeper against our multiple chances this week.

Sandy Mann looked to cause disarray between the Nuneaton players not knowing where he was going to move for a shot. This allowed Matty Brennan enough space to take a further two goals for Derby.

Derby are now 13 points clear of Nuneaton and unless Nuneaton win every remaining fixture of the season and Derby losing all remaining fixtures we have survived our first season in this higher division.

Player of the match this week: Perhaps Matt Hexter for a superb debut but Sam Taylor certainly played the formation perfectly to provide midfield strength and attacking force throughout the match.

Thanks to Dave Ellis and Paul Bradley for umpiring this week!