A third pre-season win and a clean sheet were two things Derby’s coaching staff would have been hoping for and the Rams managed them both.

Derby County continued its good pre-season form on Tuesday putting the sword to Rushden & Diamonds at Nene park in a 0 – 1 victory.

Although not emphatic on the scorecard the result could have easily been 0 – 10 with the amount of chances the Rams were not able to finish during the match.

Ellington was the player who did manage to find the back of the net. Just three minutes after half time ‘the duke’ slotted home after a failed Rushden clearance landed at his feet and allowed him to sprint into the box and calmly lift the ball home over the keeper.

Other Rams players such as Commons, Kaz, Albrechtsen and Villa all spurned chances to add to the goal tally, Hulse and Ellington could have easily had their hat tricks if they had made the most of their opportunities.

Bywater returned to keep goals for the fist half with little to do and was replaced at half time by Carroll who was forced to make a few saves but one in particular was a class effort in the final ten minutes of the match.

Nigerian trialist Richard Olongo took part in the match being used as a substitute on 63 and Gary Teale completed the full 90 minutes and was very productive creating many chances for the forwards. Perhaps this points towards Gary playing a part in Jewell’s plans after originally looking like being on the outer.

After the match Paul Jewell confirmed trialist and former Reading player John Oster, had been made an offer by the Rams but turned it down and both parties had now moved on.

The major talking point though was the second non appearance of Robbie Savage. Stubbs was once again captain for the match and with Savage not even attending the game there is much speculation about his future. Recent days have presented rumours in the press of a possible move to U.S.

Other players believed to be fully fit but did not to take part were Sterjovski, Leacock and Lewis. When questioned about this by the ‘Derbyshire Evening Telegraph’ Paul Jewell was quoted as saying; “We have brought quite a strong team,” said Jewell, when asked about Savage after the 1-0 win.  Jewell added: “We have got plenty of players at the moment and Robbie Savage is no different to anyone else. He is part of the squad.”

Jewell was also asked if Savage is injured and the reply was a simple “No”.

What that means for Savage is anyone’s guess at the moment but I would think that the line up against FC Utrecht this Saturday will give a little more insight to how the Rams may line up for the start of the season.

Photo: Action Images

Derby County Polls