Read the various Derby forums after Tuesday's win at Bloomfield Road and, whilst some posters said that Blackpool were better than bottom position, many pointed out the flaws in Jose Riga's side. At the same time Seasiders fans on their forums did question whether the Rams were worthy of the top spot in the Championship. Whilst they did have injuries, the general consensus was they were nothing special.

Derby fans admitted that it wasn't a vintage display with the weather conditions hardly conducive with a good game of football but the fact they took away all three points speaks volumes about this league. Having reached the Play Offs twice in the Championship, Blackpool fans will know that momentum and confidence can count for a lot. Many times when we reached the top six, the Seasiders were winning matches they hardly deserved to, but that 'never say die' attitude counted for a lot. Many fans have said after the game that the Rams penalty and winner was more expected than not. There was an air of inevitability that greeted the defeat. Indeed, look at the Prediction League before the game and nearly 90% of Blackpool fans had us down for defeat.

Whilst Derby didn't do an awful lot for their three points, they took the game by the scruff of the neck when they needed to in the second half, they exploited our weaknesses especially down our left hand side - Steve McLaren must have rubbed his hands together with glee when he watched the tape of the Huddersfield game - and they defended and attacked in numbers. Blackpool defended resolutely, bar one ridiculous tackle, but very rarely broke in numbers and found the ball coming back at them as soon as they cleared it. Anyone who was a neutral watching that game after the break would have thought the team in white were the home side. Whatsmore McLaren had a wealth of talent to throw on when he needed to whereas we had a player who was relegated from the Championship last season, another who got ditched by a League One side and a a Guinea-Bissauan international footballer who probably wouldn't make many other national sides!

Good luck to Derby. They deserved to be promoted last season not only by being the best team over the season but by being on top for 89 minutes in the Play Off final against QPR. They have the momentum and look good for a return to the top flight. In comparison Blackpool have been rotting away since Holloway departed two years ago and at present show no signs of reversing that trend.

Photo: Action Images

Wronga added 22:55 - Oct 22 I haven't seen the incident and a picture tells a thousand word but the pic on that article looks to me like he's diving! Was there any real contact or did he look for it?
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Limechase added 10:19 - Oct 23 From the west it looked a penalty, I immediately looked t the Ref, who couldn't wait to give it, however the photo above does look a little "enhanced" in the falling department... but as the report said, we now expect to lose, & with Olie, we Expected to win.... very difficult to turn round without a mojor signing to change something.. we desperately need a Barry Ferguson type player, someone who can put a foot on the ball & pick a pass

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