On Tuesday night Nathan Ellington finally did something all Rams fans had been asking for since early last season. When you have the ball near goal… just SHOOT!!

It got worse and worse as last season spiralled into despair. Short passes aimed at trying to open a door that was firmly locked shut, especially to those too hesitant to even try the handle.

The Rams would put together consecutive passes but so many times they would just pass around the opposition box as if they did it long enough then magically the sea would part. More often than not they just lost possession and too often paid the ultimate price.

Had there been some more fight from the players perhaps we all would have fonder memories of last season. I for one know I would have enjoyed it more if those on the pitch had backed themselves, ran at players and when in a forward position just had a shot. Things happen when you take chances in football but it seemed contrary to the fable slow and steady did not win the race. Mind you there wasn’t much that was steady about the Rams premiership campaign, wobbly like a three legged chair would be a more apt description.

Logically Derby should triumph against lower league opposition in a cup competition but better teams than this one have stumbled at similar hurdles. Some good passing and play had been produced by the Rams during the match but for most of the second half it looked like they would be put to the sword and add to their dismal run.

When all looked lost ‘The Duke’ stepped up and decided to just have a shot. A scrappy opportunistic goal proved to be the spark the Rams have lacked so desperately in recent times. Shortly after Green had a shot which against the laws of physics bounced out off the bar and suddenly Derby looked like a boulder teetering over the hapless Lincoln just waiting to tumble… and tumble they did.

Ellington produced two of the finest finishes since Idiakez graced the Rams line up to not only steal the game also a hat trick for he who threw caution to the wind. Nathan gathered the ball on both occasions and just shot. Simple as that. If either had been saved they most likely would have spilled for follow up chances but neither did and spillage was not required.

Derby needs more of this type of play if they are to genuinely challenge the upper echelons this season. There were signs that the players on hand have the ability to produce even if it was a lower league opposition. The best play came when the team backed itself and took chances, none more so than those Ellington finished in such stunning and seemingly simplistic fashion.

After all match reports had Villa providing great support up front in the second half I would hope Paul Jewell gives him a starting opportunity on Saturday. There is no doubt Tito and Sterjovski are two players who have played little or no part this season to date but could be massive contributors to the Rams campaign with their attacking abilities.

Team selection aside, whoever represents Derby on each and every match day, if you get the ball and have a sniff at goal then do one little thing for me… take a deep breath, back yourself and SHOOT!

C’mon Ewe Rams, let’s get a win in the league!! :0)

** Note to all Australian Fans**
Pay TV is showing the Bristol game live at 2am on Sunday morning Oz time!!.... Yippee!!

Photo: Action Images

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