Men's 3rd's v Tamworth, 24/11/2007

Derby travelled to Tamworth with some trepidation following our two meetings with Tamworth last season. Given the amount agro that has traditionally ensued in this fixture we decided that we needed to concentrate on the game. Following last weeks slow start that saw 2 goals conceded in the first 5 minutes we decided that a proper warm-up was needed.

With many regular players missing for this match we struggled in the first half to get out of our own half, but agreed that the warm up had helped and to be trailing 1-0 at half time was not something to feel dissapointed with. We decided to change the formation by moving Patrick Chambers in from right wing into the centre and Richard Beaching onto the right. This left Dave Steadman up front on his own. This tactic seemed to work as it gave us a few more options and shook things up a bit. When Derby were awarded a short, Dave Steadman scored and we were equal. Tamworth continued to apply pressure, but Paul Webb in goals and John Mann made some superb saves.

At the final whistle, the score was 1-1 and both teams were very happy with what had turned out to be thrilling well tempered battle. The only slight complaint was that both sides agreed that one of the umpires decisions were a bit misguided. Man of the match goes to John Mann for saving from off the line on more than one occasion and for successfully playing at left back for the first time this season.