Just when the Rams looked as if they had left themselves too much to do, somehow they stole all three points in a match that they dominated, yet still managed to go 2 down due to some very sloppy defending in the first half.

Derby were bright from the outset and despite the wet conditions were still playing their passing game and early chances to both Bamford and Martin could have found them ahead.

Bryson and Dawkins joined the party with attempts on goal and despite none hitting the back of the net, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before the Rams went ahead.

Instead, as is often the case, the missed chances proved costly as Yeovil went ahead on 25 minutes when Ludstram cracked one from 20 yards into the bottom corner.

The Rams should have had a penalty when Martin went down just after the half hour but the referee perhaps had been warned about Martin’s weak knees and decided that it was not deserved. Unfortunately in this case it was…. remember the boy who cried wolf Chris….?

With the penalty waved away, the visitors broke quickly through Lundstram who released Miller in on goal. The Yeovil man shook off Captain Keogh and scored across Lee Grant with a clever strike.

HT: 0-2

McClaren took off Eustace for Ward as he made his intentions clear for the second 45. It was to be all out attack but considering there had been plenty of attack in the first half, yet Derby found themselves 2 down, hopefully the end result would be better this time around.

The plan of attack…. to attack was for all to see as the Rams showered down on Yeovil from the whistle and on 50 minutes Dawkins brilliantly made space where there was none in a crowded area and pulled the ball across goal for the Rams new hero Patrick Bamford put it away with a brave, desperate diving header.

Grant made a great save from a Joel Grant attempt to keep the Rams in the game and followed it up by deflecting a dangerous free-kick to safety. I don’t know about other Rams fans but for me Grant is now showing why he was so highly rated last season.

The Rams pressed harder and harder during which time Bamford hit the post, the fourth time the Rams had hit the woodwork during the match while Forsyth shot over from 8 yards, when in on goal and glory beckoning.

Finally in the 87th minute the dam broke as Will Hughes held up play for a moment on the edge of the box, only to cleverly slide the ball to Bryson who shot brilliantly with his right foot into the bottom right corner of the net.

With time almost up the Rams continued to press but it looked as if a point would have to suffice, when three had seemed compulsory before the match.

That was until Bryson took a last minute free kick in a good position.

To say the delivery from the kick was sublime would not do it justice as Bryson perfectly guided the ball to Martin who obliged by putting the ball in the back of the net.

It took a total of 36 shots (honest!! 36 shots - 8 on target) but the Rams finally got 3 of them to go in and win the day.

Cue Hysteria… The roar from celebrations at the iPro Stadium celebrations would have had local residents, sensible enough to stay in the warmth of their homes, thinking Derby was being invaded.

FT: 3 — 2

On a night like this you don’t need warmth… The Rams famous come from behind victory will keep us warm inside for many nights to come.

Still in fourth with an 11 point gap between the Rams and 7th.

Do I feel safe to say the phrase ‘play-offs’ now?

You bet I do!

Ryan Weston was at the iPro for RamZone and in a day or so…. when he has been released from hospital after a football related heart issue….. will present his report on the Rams rise from the dead on Tuesday night.

Until then…. COYR!!

Match Stats: Derby / Yeovil

Possession: 67% / 33%

Corners: 5 / 3

Shots (On Target): 36... Yes Really!! (8) / 9 (3)

Fouls: 10 / 18

Yellow Cards: 1 / 4

Match Info:

Attendance: 23,615

Derby County:

Grant, Wisdom, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth, Eustace (Ward 45), Bryson, Hughes, Dawkins (Sammon 79), Bamford (Russell 89), Martin.

Unused Subs: Legzdins, Whitbread, Keane, Bailey.

Scorers: Bamford, Bryson, Martin

Yeovil Town:

Stech, Ayling, Duffy, Webster, McAllister; Grant (Dawson 68), Lundstram, Edwards, Ralls; Miller (Upson 80), Moore.

Unused Subs: Dunn, Hayter, Foley, Lanzoni, Morgan.

Scorers: Lundstram, Miller

Match Highlights / Reaction:

Photo: Action Images

pkay_brum added 12:35 - Jan 30 Get well soon, Ryan. Quite some second-half Derby performance, that....and we had thought the Ipswich recovery was the high-point for that sort of revival. Martin's winning goal is a defining moment of this season. The players will believe they can overcome anything now! Bring on the Brummy Blues!
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