Rams Battle Hard for Preston Point

The Rams came into the away fixture at Preston on the back of an impressive draw with high-flying West Brom; a match that Derby ought to have won had it not been for some dubious refereeing. Whilst performances on the pitch may have been improving it was slightly disconcerting to read the reports Nigel Clough may be forced to sell his prized assets in the January transfer window; notably Rob Hulse and Kris Commons. Hulse’s absence against Preston gave the Rams an opportunity to see how the team cope without their incumbent Player of the Year.

Derby started the game in similar circumstances as their previous fixture; with some highly debatable refereeing. DJ Campbell, starting following his last gasp equaliser at the weekend, was denied an early penalty. The forward was clearly brought down by Preston keeper Lonergan as he raced into the Preston box. Preston were guilty of some poor finishing as they edged the first half. Sam Parkin fired over from close range whilst Ross Wallace hit the cross bar with a fantastic free kick from over 25 yards out.

Preston continued the barrage of shots in the second half as Neil Mellor forced a sublime save from Stephen Bywater. Derby grew in strength as the match wore on and DJ Campbell’s header was millimetres away from opening the scoreline as his header struck the underside of the crossbar. Callum Davidson was similarly unlucky as he hit the post from close range in the dying seconds.

Derby fans should feel proud of their team for another passionate display and valuable point. Deepdale is a notoriously difficult place to pick up even a point and fans will be delighted with Derby’s defence finally keeping a clean sheet away. As the Rams enter an important and hectic Christmas schedule Nigel Clough will be pleased Derby’s defence frailties are becoming less frequent. Clough will be hoping the Rams can pick up another point this Saturday at Vicarage Road.

The Rams came into the away fixture at Preston on the back of an impressive draw with high-flying West Brom; a match that Derby ought to have won had it not been for some dubious refereeing. Whilst performances on the pitch may have been improving it was slightly disconcerting to read the reports Nigel Clough may be forced to sell his prized assets in the January transfer window; notably Rob Hulse and Kris Commons. Hulse’s absence against Preston gave the Rams an opportunity to see how the team cope without their incumbent Player of the Year.

Derby started the game in similar circumstances as their previous fixture; with some highly debatable refereeing. DJ Campbell, starting following his last gasp equaliser at the weekend, was denied an early penalty. The forward was clearly brought down by Preston keeper Lonergan as he raced into the Preston box. Later on Preston were guilty of some poor finishing as they edged the first half. Sam Parkin fired over from close range whilst Ross Wallace hit the cross bar with a fantastic free kick from over 25 yards out.

Preston continued the barrage of shots in the second half as Neil Mellor forced a sublime save from Stephen Bywater. Derby grew in strength as the match wore on and DJ Campbell’s header was millimetres away from opening the scoreline as his header struck the underside of the crossbar. Callum Davidson was similarly unlucky as he hit the post from close range in the dying seconds.

Derby fans should feel proud of their team for another passionate display and valuable point. Deepdale is a notoriously difficult place to pick up even a point and fans will be delighted with Derby’s defence finally keeping a clean sheet away. As the Rams enter an important and hectic Christmas schedule Nigel Clough will be pleased Derby’s defence frailties are becoming less frequent. Clough will be hoping the Rams can pick up another point this Saturday at Vicarage Road.