Leicester City 0 – Derby County 0
Derby entered the international break on a high following an impressive 3-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday at home. The Rams bounced back from the 6-1 mauling against Cardiff City and looked in good form for a trip to the Walkers Stadium to face East Midlands rivals Leicester. Injuries had looked set to disturb the Derby back four, with Leacock and Buxton still in recovery and news Barker was rumoured to be on the sidelines for a considerable length of time. Jay McEveley was temporarily the only fit centre back in the first team squad. Luckily, both Leacock and Barker miraculously made the starting 11 and proved to be the stars of what turned out to be a lacklustre derby.
Leicester started the first half the brightest, dominating possession and plying constant pressure on the Derby back 4. Prolific scorer Matt Fryatt caused problems in the 10th minute following a darting run into the Derby area but produced a tame effort easily held by Stephen Bywater. The Foxes continued to dominate without making the crucial breakthrough, Andy King came close with a long range effort just the wrong side of the top corner.
Derby woke up in the second half and played a more offensive game. The best chance of the match came from Derby midfielder Kris Commons who curled a stunning shot onto the cross-bar. Controversy struck both teams late on, Derby being denied two penalty shouts for fouls on Rob Hulse. Meanwhile Leicester fans were jubilant just before the whistle as ex-Ram Matt Oakley placed the ball into the back of the net seemingly scoring a last-gasp winner. The linesman saved the day however, signaling offside at ensuring Derby earnt a hard earned point.
The Rams will be pleased to make the short journey back to Derby with a point. Whilst some fans may be unhappy at the negativity of Clough’s 4-5-1 formation, given the clubs injury crisis up front (Davies, Porter et al.) and the attacking prowess of Leicester City’s front 2; Clough must be praised for his shrewd tactics. In fact fans might feel hard done by just to leave with a single point following the penalty appeals. The defence stability from today’s game will need to replicated on Tuesday night as Derby face Middlesbrough at the Riverside.
Rams Hold Firm Against Foxes
Leicester City 0 – Derby County 0
Derby entered the international break on a high following an impressive 3-0 victory against Sheffield Wednesday at home. The Rams bounced back from the 6-1 mauling against Cardiff City and looked in good form for a trip to the Walkers Stadium to face East Midlands rivals Leicester. Injuries had looked set to disturb the Derby back four, with Leacock and Buxton still in recovery and news Barker was rumoured to be on the sidelines for a considerable length of time. Jay McEveley was temporarily the only fit centre back in the first team squad. Luckily, both Leacock and Barker miraculously made the starting 11 and proved to be the stars of what turned out to be a lacklustre derby.
Leicester started the first half the brightest, dominating possession and plying constant pressure on the Derby back 4. Prolific scorer Matt Fryatt caused problems in the 10th minute following a darting run into the Derby area but produced a tame effort easily held by Stephen Bywater. The Foxes continued to dominate without making the crucial breakthrough, Andy King came close with a long range effort just the wrong side of the top corner.
Derby woke up in the second half and played a more offensive game. The best chance of the match came from Derby midfielder Kris Commons who curled a stunning shot onto the cross-bar. Controversy struck both teams late on, Derby being denied two penalty shouts for fouls on Rob Hulse. Meanwhile Leicester fans were jubilant just before the whistle as ex-Ram Matt Oakley placed the ball into the back of the net seemingly scoring a last-gasp winner. The linesman saved the day however, signaling offside at ensuring Derby earnt a hard earned point.
The Rams will be pleased to make the short journey back to Derby with a point. Whilst some fans may be unhappy at the negativity of Clough’s 4-5-1 formation, given the clubs injury crisis up front (Davies, Porter et al.) and the attacking prowess of Leicester City’s front 2; Clough must be praised for his shrewd tactics. In fact fans might feel hard done by just to leave with a single point following the penalty appeals. The defence stability from today’s game will need to replicated on Tuesday night as Derby face Middlesbrough at the Riverside.