MENS 3RDS 13TH FEB VS KETTERING - POSITIVE SIGNS!

This weeks fixture was at home against Kettering.

With poor results since the Christmas break Derby were keen for a positive start to move away from potentially dropping into relegation. Some of our regular players were not available which allowed Tom Fitchett, Ravi Lakhani and Symmon Li to step into the team. Matt Bunker was also welcomed back the team but perhaps he prefers the winning ways of the 4ths this season.

Considering these changes Derby played with a purpose and had early chances that could not find the net. Sadly Kettering broke the deadlock with a rebounded short corner even with Darren Howard playing sweeper and showing excellent form.

Ben Taylor continues to enjoy a regular spell as our primary attacking forward but was unfortunate not to find the Kettering net this week. Ravi was keen to win and sent a searching pass to Sonny Johal who found the equaliser shortly before half time.

The midway talk was simple this week. Continue with the same play and not to give away stick tackles.

Unfortunately a Kettering second goal was found early in the second half via a foot or two. Whilst this was missed by the umpires the quantity of players around the ball made it hard for anyone to see exactly what happen.

Credit certainly to a Derby team that didn’t turn off the gas or fall into a complaining with umpires trap. We continued to push forwards with less defensive players in the last five minutes to collect some vital points, which sadly allowed Kettering the breakaways for two further goals.

A disappointing loss result of 1-4 but promising for our away game to Melton next week.

Man of the Match….. I would choose Darren Howard for his composure and structuring of the defence. However, Tom Fitchett has finally found left mid is he best position and performed well. I would note that Ravi made our forward attacking options less predictable this week and would equally share the man of the match title.