6th Feb Mens 2nd Vs Barton - Defiant Derby!

This weeks fixture found Derby at home to a formidable Barton.

Barton were certainly to best team faced by Derby prior to Christmas and are on the hunt for promotion. With survival in our minds this was always going to be an interesting match. A welcomed return to Ian McWiliiams this week to allow Derby a rare 12th man this week

From the start Barton dominated. The experience of a team being together for a number of years was clear but Derby put up a great display of defiance in defence. The ever calm Ross Richards directing the line and with Darren Howard at left back remains a thankful part of this 2nd team.

Barton soon won a number of short corners from their pressure and quickly got a lucky deflection to take the lead. Glen Rhodes with a rare appearance was unfortunate to prevent the shot heading for goal.

Derby continued to frustrate the Barton attack and when the ball was worked out through Sam Taylor and Bill Anderson Rambo looked for the equaliser. Sadly this was not to be and Derby continued to survive a hard fought first half.

The half time talk approached with Matt Bunker reminding the team to keep the passes smart and not lunge in on defensive tackles.

The second half was soon underway and Pete Chesney switching with Jez Sear on the left wing was frankly….. epic! For once Derby were playing smart with its substitutions and remained composed with a solid formation.

Continued short corners won by Barton were well defended and were not likely to find the back of the net this week. Tom Vernon back between the posts after a long break through injury was not showing any ill signs of losing the form we come to expect of Derby keepers.

The overall result was a resounding 0-2 and considered a poor win for Barton who had hoped to decimate the underdogs. On the other hand Derby were pleased with a positive performance and felt unlucky not to get a goal with our limited chances.

So..............

Dick of the Day: Darren for gracefully trying to clear the ball out of our D and falling over his own feet. Quickly flapping around on the floor in surprise and clearing the ball with the back of his stick to provide Barton with a short corner.

Man of the Match: Awarded to…. Myself. Unlike previous posts this MOTM was team chosen for my rare appearance in midfield and working hard throughout the match and clearing a number of short corners as number 1.