It was a good week for Derby County - Theo Robinson’s powerful display sorted out Blackpool FC, whilst Nathan Tyson’s crucial late cameo ended Barnsley’s stubborn resistance in midweek.

When Derby County took on Blackpool last Saturday, they found - for the second time so far this season that - it was the right time to play certain opponents.

There’s a growing confidence and resilience about Derby County this season and they adapted well in the home games this week to handle two quite different opponents to overcome first a fragile Blackpool team and then a determined and organised Barnsley side.

Gianfranco Zola’s Watford, full of Udinese refugees, were thrashed 5-1 in September when some of the Hornets’ players didn’t yet appear to be on first name terms with their new colleagues.

Blackpool have had a reasonable start to their campaign with a similar points’ tally to Derby but the speculation over the future of their in-demand manager Ian Holloway turned into fact as late as Saturday morning when it was disclosed that he had accepted the position of manager at Crystal Palace and had departed Bloomfield Road.

That left stalwart Blackpool servant Steve Thompson in temporary charge and Derby capitalised on the shock-wave coursing through the Tangerine squad from the departure of the quirky, charismatic “Olly”. To add insult to injury, a disjointed Tangerine outfit were then swept aside on an incessant wave of Derby attacks.

The final score of 4-1 did not flatter Derby and there was much to enjoy in the Rams’ attacking play.

Blackpool has some talented players plus the advantage of the ‘parachute payments’, which clubs relegated from the Premier League receive for 4 seasons these days. They can afford to pay a player what Nigel Clough must budget for 3 or 4 at a time; the superior team spirit and understanding bred by Clough with Derby’s low-cost squad was more than a match on the day.

Steve Thompson failed to convince Blackpool owner Karl Oyston of his credentials whilst in temporary stewardship - and troubled Pompey’s Michael Appleton has now been appointed to the managerial post at Bloomfield Road.

The Tangerine never got to grips with Theo Robinson last Saturday; he scored twice and had hoped to stay on for 90 minutes to claim Derby’s first League hat-trick for some 15 years.

He was replaced late on to keep him fresh and hungry for the Tykes’ challenge the following Tuesday - but he had truly tonked the Tangerine by then with his battling display and powerful running. With 7 goals so far this season, Theo looks on course to exceed the dozen he contributed in 2011-12.

The marauding John Brayford, playing like an international winger as Blackpool found themselves on constant retreat, has a splendid game and clobbered in a fine goal.

Conor Sammon was also rewarded for his graft and presence with a close-range second-half goal which was no less than he deserved for his bustling displays. He creates space for others and occupies defenders all game - and there has been more physicality about Derby’s attack since his arrival.

The Barnsley game was a different kettle of fish; the Tykes were in desperate need of points and a good result. Manager Keith Hill set his side up to bustle Derby, play quite high up the field, and deny the Rams the time and space to develop their attacking patterns or build up a head of steam.

Again, Adam Legzdins had little to do but did it competently and the Rams’ defenders and midfielders were content to bide their time. Barnsley ‘keeper Luke Steele had a busy night even if clear-cut chances for Derby were few and far between.

Derby kept possession attractively, rather than bashing on forwards at every opportunity to come up against a solid Barnsley back four, until there was a chance of making meaningful progress.

The Tykes were capable of handling themselves and were occasionally over-physical. They were also prone to spend time spending time, looking for the refuge of a point from a 0-0 draw, with 4 cautions resulting from some of their challenges and time-wasting.

There were spells when Derby players swapped dozens of passes without thrusting into the Barnsley penalty area, but the calm and patient style that Clough has drilled into his players did not make the home crowd restive or unduly concerned.

I always felt that Derby could find the breakthrough - which they did after 69 minutes, when defender James O’Connor netted his first goal, scoring from close range, as the Rams stretched the Tykes’ resolute defence just too far.

After that, it was a case of displaying more patience, making sure not to let Barnsley back into the game, and finishing the game off if possible with a further goal or two.

The Tykes couldn’t make any headway against Derby’s solid-looking defence, with Keogh and O’Connor again outstanding, but were ultimately dispatched and their resistance destroyed when substitute Nathan Tyson crashed in a stunning 20-yard drive as the game moved into stoppage time.

That won’t have done the ex-Forest man’s confidence any harm and Derby had also improved their goal difference to move into the top ten of the Championship table, through carving out those two hard-earned home wins.

One lad with no shortage of confidence - or skill and tenacity - is Will Hughes, Derby’s young jewel in the crown, who has been selected for the England Under-21 squad. He’s barely 18 but his emergence has provided exciting confirmation of the progress now being made by Derby’s development regime.

The Rams’ Academy has made great strides under Darren Wassall and Craig Short, who are nurturing young talent successfully at the Moor Farm centre. Well done to Will - and here’s hoping that Derby can keep the bidders at bay so that Rams fans can enjoy Hughes’ abilities in the Derby first team for some time to come.

The Rams have enjoyed back-to-back wins for the first time this season. There are two tough challenges ahead of Derby now, with visits to unpopular corners of the capital.

To follow this Saturday’s encounter at the New Den, Millwall, Derby then have to visit the surprise front runners Crystal Palace. If Derby can consolidate their current form and take points from both venues, the season will have taken on a decidedly promising outlook.

Whilst the ‘stay-away’ fans from Derby’s dwindling active following need more encouragement or more star names to seduce them back to the stadium, fans are seeing the young Rams side mature and handle the diverse opposition they face in the Championship in efficient and successful manner. Here’s to a good November!

Today’s column is dedicated to the memory of my Uncle Geoff, who passed away this month, aged 82. He had followed the Rams since 1942, seeing all the club’s major triumphs through to the Cloughie ‘glory days’ and to the present day.

Pride Park Stadium will seem empty without him sitting next to me, and assistant referees would breathe easier should they realise they no longer have to endure his regular barrage from his front row view when they officiate at Derby!

Rest in Peace.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls