Easter Monday saw a game between two teams that had nothing to play for but pride. After a poor display against Burnley, manager Peter Taylor would have been hoping for an improved performance and the team produced it.
A superb strike from Stuart Green looked to have earned the Tigers all three points until a late controversial penalty awarded by referee Andy D’Urso only two minutes from time gave Derby a way back into the match. After Scott Wiseman was penalised for pushing in the area, Tommy Smith stepped up to convert the spot kick and earn Derby a share of the spoils.
The start of the match saw Taylor make five changes to his team as he looked to improve upon his fortunes against Burnley.
Alton Thelwell dropped to the bench to be replaced by Scott Wiseman. Alan Rogers replaced Andy Dawson. Stuart Elliott was struggling with an injury so was omitted from the squad. Stuart Green took his position on the left with Billy Paynter playing on the right. John Welsh was brought into the midfield and Craig Fagan replaced Daryl Duffy up-front. A noticeable addition on the substitutes bench was that of Russell Fry.
The first ten minutes of the game started off slowly with neither team having any real chances.
The first chance of the game fell to Jon Parkin. After Craig Fagan had been set free down the left, his cross arrived at the feet of Parkin who could only send his shot well over the bar.
Craig Fagan shot wide of the post before Tommy Smith registered the Rams first effort with a shot that was easily saved by Myhill.
Derby’s first real chance came just after twenty minutes. Good work down the left by Lee Holmes found Peschisolido in the middle but the striker didn’t connect with the shot which went harmlessly over the bar. Peschisolido had another effort a matter of moments later but it didn’t test Myhill.
After half an hour, the Tigers took the lead. Two Derby players tried to head each other rather than the ball and as the ball fell back for Stuart Green, the in form midfielder struck a fine effort from twenty yards into the top corner.
The Tigers went into the break with the lead and as the teams came out for the second half, it looked like the Tigers were happy with a 1-0 score-line.
Inigo Idiakez had been the key figure for Derby in the first half and he continued to dictate the game during the early stages of the second half.
A set piece specialist, Idiakez sent two free-kicks over the bar just after the break.
City started to press forward and two successive corners were dealt with well by the Derby defence.
Keith Andrews was next to try his luck with a free-kick but it went wide of Camp’s goal.
Derby had a sustained spell of pressure but without really testing Myhill in Hull’s goal. After surviving the brief period of Derby dominance, City started to push forward and look for a second goal that could kill off the game.
The Derby defence couldn’t cope with the aerial dominance of Cort from corner’s and his header flew just wide of the post.
Stuart Green almost doubled the lead with only ten minutes remaining but his effort was superbly tipped over by Lee Camp.
Rogers resulting corner found Leon Cort and his header was cleared off the line, but despite appeals that the ball had crossed before it was cleared, the game continued.
Kevin Ellison, a second half substitute then forced Camp into a save. The corner again found Cort but his effort went wide of goal.
With only two minutes remaining, Derby were awarded a penalty. Scott Wiseman was judged to have pushed a Derby player in the area and Tommy Smith converted the penalty low to Myhill’s left.
The game finished with the 1-1 score-line. All in all a much improved performance from the one against Burnley but to lose the goal so late was a blow. Derby were poor and we should have taken our chances to increase the lead, however referee Andy D’Urso took all the focus at the end of the game with a controversial decision. I guess it is a good job the game didn’t really mean anything!
Player Ratings
Bo Myhill – 7
Not too much to do during the game. Wasn’t tested too often by the Derby attack and can’t be faulted for his performance.
Scott Wiseman – 5
I don’t think he is up to the standard we require. Constantly left us exposed during the second half and would much prefer to see Alton Thelwell back at right-back. Scott needs to go out on loan next season in order to gain valuable experience.
Alan Rogers – 6
Another solid performance and is someone we need to sign permanently next season. Good delivery from corner-kicks.
Leon Cort – 8
Terrific performance from the commanding figure at the back. Unlucky not to get on the score-sheet.
Damien Delaney – 7
Handled the Derby attack well and wasn’t really troubled during the game. Has formed a very solid partnership with Leon Cort in the City defence.
Billy Paynter – 5
Not the best of performances but he wasn’t in a natural position. He isn’t a winger and needs to play up-front. Could well be on his way out in the Summer.
Stuart Green – 7
Another good performance from the in-form midfielder. Don’t know what has happened to him but he has started to play like we all hoped for. As long as he continues this form, he will be here next season.
John Welsh – 6
Good to see him back in the midfield but couldn’t cope with Idiakez in the midfield.
Keith Andrews – 6
Not one of his better games. Some loose passes but battled away well. Like Welsh, allowed Idiakez too much time and space to dictate the pace of the game.
Jon Parkin – 6
Another battling display from the Beast. Should have scored on two occassions after good work by Fagan. Wasn’t helped by referee D’Urso who never gave a decision the way of the large striker.
Craig Fagan – 7
Another great performance. Doesn’t stop running and never gave the Derby defence and time to settle on the ball. If only we had another two or three players who show the same determination as Fagan.
Kevin Ellison – 6
Tried hard but didn’t have much time to influence the match.
Daryl Duffy – N/A
Only came on in the 92 minute so no match rating awarded.
Manager Rating
7 – Got the team to perform much better than against Burnley. Made personnel changes which seemed to work but will be disappointed to not have come away with the three points.
Opponent Rating
5 – He has a poor team and I can’t see them doing much better next season. They can pass the ball from side to side nicely but apart from that they can’t do much.
