Derby Men's 1st v Atherstone Adders- Derby Dominate high scoring encounter

After a spirited display against Market Harborourgh last week; turned up fruitless and with ten men. So confidence was high ahead of a home game against Atherstone Adders (who have rejoined the league again this season). Derby wanted to dominate from the off, but found it slow going in the scorching autumn sun.

Having the power house Dave Steadman upfront, has given the team a new impetus and the ability to unlock defences with ease. His link up play with fellow forward Ian Wilson was impressive throughout. It was this combination which lead to an early short corner. And dubious decision. The ball worked to Rob on the post, who swept the ball over the line only for the defender to clear and the umpire to play on.

However it wasn’t long until Derby took the lead Ian Wilson hammering home the first of his haul in the game. Wing play was Derby’s biggest weapon as they exploited the space time and again to great effect; full backs Ross and Ben bombing forward at every opportunity to support attacks. And Taylor’s intricate runs proved to be decisive. Twice he broke down the right and arrowed balls into the D for Dave and Ian to tuck home.

Derby’s play began to become sloppy towards the end of the half, as every Derby player wanted to press the ball high and create chances as the opposition were retreating. But that resulted in leaving men free at the back, and if it wasn’t for the quick thinking, robust tackling and excellent positional sense of Adam and Ross it could have caused problems. However Derby went into the break 4-0 to the good.

With talk at the break of keeping hold of the ball and building pressure, Derby began the half like a team possessed, constantly breaking through the Adders defence. And Ian took full advantage, bagging himself two more goals. His best: taking a leaf from Market Harborough’s training book, standing in front of the keeper and delicately deflecting the ball past the keeper.

The running of Sam and Jamie in the engine room kept the team ticking over. Their hard work and effort helped the team forward and lead to Matt Hexter tapping in at the back post (a goal his work rate richly deserved). Another deserving scorer was Kyle Sev, he toiled all game hitting both posts before expertly lobbing the goalkeeper with a fine goal, which almost landed him the goal of the game. But Dave Steadman wanted the last word, from a short corner he received the ball on the top of the area and lobbed the keeper, who was stunned.

An excellent performance all round, which could have bored some defenders! Final score 9-0 to Derby. Scorers: Ian Wilson 4, Dave Steadman 3, Matt Hexter 1 and Kyle Sev 1. Next week a tough encounter with Buxton. Bring it on!

Rob
Ben Adam Ging Ross
Dave Jamie Sam Matt
Ian Dave

Subs: Karl and Kyle