The RamZone Wrap: Triumph Over Town As Martin Makes Most Of Mistake
Sunday, 11th Jan 2015 13:19 by Daniel J Sewart

At the start of the match it was a battle of 2nd versus 3rd in the Championship and by the final whistle the Rams had the points and the positions were reversed.

Things looked a bit ominous for Derby in the early stages, as for the first 10 — 15 minutes, Ipswich looked the better as they threatened to slice open the Rams on a few occasions.

But as the minutes ticked by Derby grew into the game as the likes of Hughes, Russell and Christie began to impose themselves on the game.

Clear cut chances were few and far between - as both teams scrapped in midfield and defence — with attackers having to be satisfied with half chances at best.

McGoldrick, Murphy and Tabb had the best of the chances for the home team while Christie, Russell and Martin all failed to convert their chances for the visitors.

The Rams grew into the game as the half progressed and by the end of the first 45 looked like they were getting on top, finishing with consecutive corners.

Despite this we headed into the break all square as this top of the table tussle was so far more huff and puff than blow your house away.

HT: 0-0

Early in the second half the home team came out fired up as Grant had his palms stung by a powerful early strike — while Keogh may have been lucky not to concede a penalty with a potential hand ball that was waved away.

Just as it looked like the Tractor Boys may have been gaining the ascendency — a mistake in defence allowed Martin to get in behind and expertly poke the ball past the Ipswich keeper for a goal and the lead.

0-1

As you have come to expect - Mick McCarthy had been moaning on the sidelines for the duration and after the goal - Chris Martin wandered over to ask him what he thought of his 100th career goal... or something like that anyway, unfortunately I can’t read lips.

Ipswich went very close to equalising immediately but Grant stood firm and in turn released Russell who ran the length to find Hughes who unleashed a powerful shot which the keeper could only parry.

The Rams began to run riot as Ibe, Russell and Hendrick all began to impose themselves on the game. A second goal would have been helpful but their good work didn’t quite make it happen.

As the half wore on the teams traded blows as it was dragged down into a similar state that befell the first half with both trying to gain ascendency.

Ipswich were trying to up the tempo as they threw on fresh legs and chased the game - but Derby were doing well in keeping very dangerous Ipswich strike force at bay - as Keogh and Buxton were proving more than a match for their 20+ goal opponents.

With 10 remaining a clash of heads saw Hendrick make way for Craig Bryson and Dawkins soon after for Ibe as time ticked away.

Just as the official indicated 6 minutes of extra time — John Eustace made a clumsy challenge that saw him sent off and Derby facing a barrage from the home team.

Shotton came on for Russell to assist now that the Rams were down a man, robbing Darren Bent of his debut but ensuring Derby stood firm against the charging Tractors.

The red card was like a signal to start for the home team as they created chance after chance with a header going so close, balls bouncing around in the box and Lee Grant earning every cent of his recent contract extension - with some crucial and impressive saves.

Some how Derby hung on with 10 men for that final 6 minutes — some how Derby claimed the 3 points - and at the time the final whistle blew - equal top spot in the Championship.

FT: 0-1

A fantastic battling effort from Derby - who matched Ipswich so well - that they basically ended up shutting each other down. The match was an arm wrestle of the highest order - decided by a mistake and a sublime finish from the Rams ever alert number 9!

A huge win that was all the more impressive considering the home team had not been beaten there in 10 matches and only once in 21 overall.

Last year Derby slipped against fellow high flyers Burnley and Leicester when they were looking to mount a challenge — there was no such slip this time.

Massive in the context of the season and massive in terms of Derby’s top two aspirations.

What more could we ask for!? Well done boys!!

COYR!!

Match Info / Rams Team:

Ref: Kevin Wright

Crowd: 20,861

Derby: Grant; Christie, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth; Eustace (Red Card 90+2), Hendrick (Bryson 80’), Hughes, Russell (Shotton 92’), Ibe (Dawkins 86’), Martin

Unused Subs: Roos, Ward, Mascarell, Bent

Match Stats — Ipswich / Derby:

Goals: Martin — 57’

Possession: 51% - 49%

Shots On Target: 6 - 3

Shots Off Target: 12 - 7

Corners: 4 - 4

Fouls: 13 - 11

We Said / They Said - Match Reaction:

We Said — Steve McClaren:

"That was as good an away performance as we have had for a long time. This is a tough place to come but we put in a really mature display. You need to have that maturity to win games and sometimes we have been a little naive and not got the results. But today we stood up to their challenge when we had to, defended well and played it around.”

"The game wasn't pretty at times but this performance, and the belief and confidence it will give us, is something we can build on."

They said — Mick McCarthy:

"Derby are a good side but it was a nothing game and certainly no spectacle. It probably should have ended 0-0 but we made a mistake and it cost us. Tommy has come in at the end and apologised but no apology was needed, we all make mistakes."