Derby Report Card

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 18/08/2002

THERE were several good players on show yesterday, most of who played for Derby. But give Town credit - they fought on, even without Livvo's elbows and still matched the Rams for most of the game.

Coyne: He made a couple of good saves at vital times, one in each half. It was a pity that Derby scored just after he made a great one-handed save away to his right. Good kicking too except his first of the game where he tried to take players' heads off.

Grade: C+

McDermott: He put on a good show in what was his 500th appearance for Town. Still as good and as agile as ever, and didn't Lee Morris know. The tricky winger had a tough time trying to get past Macca all afternoon.

Grade: B-

Gallimore: 'Corporal Jones' had a fairly impressive game at left back where most of his jobs involved booting the ball down the line. He takes his time when clearing, but likes to dummy and feint a lot to confuse the opposition.

Grade: C+

Chettle: He looked an accomplished centre-back until he had to leave the field with an injury. He was steady, very good in the air and quick to cut out the danger. Hopefully the injury isn't too bad and we shall see him in action soon.

Grade: B-

Groves: One or two Derby players found out that hitting the ball past the manager and running was the way to cause us trouble. I think it's fair to say that Groves isn't looking fast and he made one or two sloppy errors at the back.

Grade: C-

Cooke: Like most people who play on the right for Town, he linked up well with McDermott when going forward. He was a tricky customer and put in some excellent crosses from open play and set pieces.

Grade: C+

Barnard: A fantastic strike to take the lead. He also looks an experienced campaigner and knows all the tricks of the trade when playing on the left. Drifted in and out of the game at times but on the whole I was pleased with his debut performance.

Grade: C+

Coldicott: Never stopped running in the middle (that was, at least, until he was taken off with ten minutes to go). Once or twice his passes went astray but he always made himself available and proved to be our main ball-winner.

Grade: C

Campbell: Moving into the centre of midfield was what Campbell probably preferred but once more he shows a great ability to become invisible. He worked hard but never really got into the game. He had a few efforts on goal and won a corner or two.

Grade: C

Livingstone: The opening eight minutes looked bright for the veteran and he might have gone on to have a good game. It would be unfair of me to grade him, and we all hope he makes a speedy recovery.

Rowan: Put himself about a bit without really getting anywhere. He never really had a chance to shoot on goal but after Livvo's injury his role in the team probably changed. His pressure led to the goal, but needs to work more on his elbowing techniques.

Grade: C

SUBS

Jevons: At times he looked lively, running with the ball before holding it up and passing it off. He had to work hard against the Derby back four and never got any decent service from the midfield - although he could have scored near the end.

Grade: C+

Ford: Kept Ravanelli in his pocket for most of his time on the pitch. Showed the Derby attack that he was the one with the pace. Good all-round performance from the youngster.

Grade: C+

Robinson: Came on too late in the day to have an effect, although he was on the pitch when we scored the disallowed goal.

Best part of Town's performance: We looked brighter when going forward and we are now a real threat from set pieces, what with both Cooke and Barnard standing over the ball. Jevons looks fitter and although he never got a break yesterday, we should persevere with him.

Areas for improvement: Obviously we need a bit of pace at the back because Groves and Chettle are vulnerable from direct players. The centre of midfield needs to be more assertive and maybe that will come with the return of Pouton.

Entertainment scale: It was a big improvement from the Wimbledon performance and we could have taken all three points, had it not been for the disallowed goal. We matched a side that will be near the top of the table come the end of the season. 7

Grade Guide

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