For Those Who Could not Attend

Date : Thursday 5th February
Opponents : Manchester United.
5th Round FA Cup.
Team :- Roos, Bogle, Evans, Lowe, Forsyth.
Rooney, Bird, Knight, Sibley.
Lawrence, Waghorn
Hamer ,Martin, Wisdom, Marriott, Davies, Clarke, Whittaker
Referee :- Craig Pawson
Attendance :- 33,000 plus. Full house.
Conditions :- Early spring, cold and dry

This is a game for all to savour. For the players, fans and the management team. Provided we perform to maximum ability and motivation, we can only gain. If we win? Fantastic. If we draw, A nice payday plus merit gained. If we lose? Well - what did you expect? Plus a good experience for Rooney and an education for our young players. I hope for a good referee and assistants.

The team sheet Cocu sent out said it all. This game was to be mainly an education and a dream experience for his young players - and not a single loan player on the pitch. Roos was preferred to Hamer. Bogle and Lowe, Evans and Forsyth in defence. Rooney, Bird, Sibley and Knight in midfield. Lawrence and Waghorn up front.

The game started with play switching from end to end, with maybe United looking the more dangerous but Derby breaking out of defence with some quick passing and positive enterprise such that the visitors could not relax. Instead they had to up their game until with plenty of good fortune with the rebound from a blocked shot came to Shaw and he hit a shot that somehow - bounce or deflection - looped over Roos (who was having a good game) The goal, in contrast with Derby’s close efforts, had enough good fortune to make the goal unstoppable. Nearing half time, there occurred what I saw a cynical tackle from behind on Lawrence whom M U would have identified as Derby’s most influential player from recent games. Achilles tendons are largely unguarded and his suffered what was either accidental or deliberate damage from this tackle. He limped around for awhile trying to shake it off. But had to be replaced by Whitaker. To add to our troubles United doubled their lead from a packed penalty area to go in 0-2 down at half-time.

Derby came out brightly but any efforts they had were either inches off target or saved by their goalkeeper who was trying to prove he was good enough to be the number 1 keeper. Rooney went millim-metres close with a couple of free-kicks and Waggy -from a cross by Bogle headed only just wide. United took more and n=more control over the game to launch attack after attack which, in the main, Derby defended well, though not well enough to prevent another emphatic strike by Ighalo for his second goal. That was the end for crowd and The Rams as they settled for the defeat though still playing with endeavour and pride. The Manchester crowd never stopped chanting for Rooney and though he continued to show not only class but some strength and agility.

On the whole it was a disappointing defeat but a great night for Derby’s youngsters as well as the not so young. Roos acquitted himself well. Bogle showed some brilliant control and runs and the occasional lapse against very strong opponents. Lowe and Max Bird both played really well I thought. Sibley was exceptional and became the object of some clogging he looked strong and determined. He is ready for first team membership. Rooney was super and inspired to put in a good performance and prove to MU supporters that he is still a first rate footballer at 34 years. PC and the young players will have leaned so much and I was proud of Derby County in spite of the defeat. Shinnie and Marriott hone they came on looks OK. Whittaker too in a more prolonged appearance.

The referee was good though I didn’t see why he had to book Rooney and he maybe should have booked or even double booked some MU players.