The RamZone Wrap: Derby Didn't Deserve It But Bent Stings Bees For Point
Sunday, 12th Apr 2015 14:03 by Daniel J Sewart

With McClaren searching for goals, the Rams gave their two biggest weapons a run up front with Martin and Bent both starting. Unfortunately it didn’t get Derby a win but Bent did rescue what could be a vital point at the death.

The Rams started brightly and looked far better in the opening exchanges than Brentford but as has been a consistent problem this season, when they held the upper hand they did little to make it count.

Ince and Bent went close early but as the half wore on the Bees wore Derby down and began to threaten at the other end.

Unlike Derby, when the Bees buzzed forward they looked threatening and likely to score. They warned the Rams on a few occasions that they should beware as the visitors football was at time sublime, but unfortunately the home team did not heed said warning.

Pritchard cut in from the left and for a moment it seemed Richard Keogh forgot he was playing right back as he was sucked into the centre of defence. The Rams Captain gave the initial space for the Bee to run in to and by the time he came to shut him down, he curiously chose to then retreat again and invite him in on goal.

Pritchard appreciated the Derby Captains generosity and showed exactly how much by letting fly with a fabulous curling shot that found the back of the net.

The Rams tried to raise the tempo but could easily have been 2 or 3 down as Brentford piled on more pressure but they were lucky the score line remained the same till half time.

HT: 0-1

Dawkins replaced an apparently ill Russell, which was just another blow as Johnny had been by far the Rams best player till half time.

Derby raised the tempo in the first 5 minutes as they attempted to square the ledger but again when Brentford got forward, they created havoc for Derby who looked as nervous as the fans in the stands.

When Gray missed from point black range on 55 minutes — Derby looked likely to crumble as the away team were gaining control again.

The game was becoming an end to end affair, with Derby breaking down continuously as they tried to find a way through, while Brentford continued to create great chances but were guilty of not finishing them.

In the end Derby didn’t deserve anything, and just when you thought that was just what they would get, in stoppage time it all changed.

Hendrick ran at the defence from midfield and let fly with what I thought was a shot but he should definitely claim was a pass, the ball left Jeff’s boot and threaded through everyone perfectly onto the feet of Bent, who only had to gather and poke it into the net from right in front.

So it was a point rescued on what had been a very average game for the Rams.

FT: 1-1

Many Rams players had a dirty day, but in the end getting something from that match was all that mattered as it may prove crucial in keeping Derby in the top 6.

With 4 matches against lowly opposition to come, the Rams will have to find some traction fast and use these games to find form and ensure their place in the play-offs.

Ryan Weston was at the iPro for RamZone and once he has reconfigured his shattered nerves, he will present a full report, player ratings and more.

Till then enjoy your weekend and hope that an already relegated Blackpool, will come to the iPro already mentally defeated on Tuesday!

COYR!

Match Info / Rams Team:

Ref: Graham Scott

Crowd: 30,043

Derby: Grant, Keogh, Albentosa, Forsyth, Warnock (Whitbread 78’), Russell (Dawkins 45’), Bryson (Lingard 78’), Hendrick, Ince, Martin, Bent.

Unused Subs: Roos, Ward, Hanson, Thomas.

Match Stats — Derby / Brentford:

Goals: Bent - 90+2’ / Pritchard — 28’

Possession: 49% / 51%

Shots On Target: 4 / 6

Shots Off Target: 5 / 11

Corners: 4 / 5

Fouls: 8 / 9

We Said / They Said - Match Reaction:

We Said — Steve McClaren:

"I would be very disappointed if I was Brentford going home with just a point. They were better than us, they passed the ball better than us, they were more fluid than us.”

"But we stayed in the game and got in some vital blocks and tackles and showed enough character to do that. We probably made more mistakes in one game than we have in all the previous home games and we know that.”

"They fought and stayed in the game and got a bit of luck and anybody whose watched us all season will say 'about time'. We got out of jail, we got a big point and we've got four opportunities to get in the play-offs."

They said — Mark Warburton:

"There have been heated words said in the dressing room but that shows you how far we've come to come to Derby and only get one point and be disappointed.”

"We've got where we are by playing the game our way and we should have been two or three up. We dealt with their threat, we played good football and they had to change their formation. We kept our width and played well and it's a real frustration.”

"It was a professional showing from the players and they are winners. They have been brave, they took responsibility, they were quick to deal with the football. I am very proud of them and I hope the fans are proud of them but the overriding frustration is that we didn't get the win."