What I.Saw - The Rams Best Effort In 105 Years!
Monday, 22nd Aug 2011 13:37 by I.Saw

The other member of the RamZone match reporting dynamic duo was on hand to see Derby smash a century old record. I.Saw shares his thoughts and enjoyment of what was a brilliant Rams performance.

The best start to a season for the Rams in 105 years!

A sunblessed Pride Park, splendid in Green, Doncaster Rovers, a team devoted to playing the ball out from the back and retaining possession.

Red and White shirts set up for the shut out.

It doesn’t work.

Five minutes on the clock and a clear foul in front of the East Stand, referee plays on and the Rams have a corner.

Ben Davies floats a ball in the path of the onrushing Kevin Kilbane and Derby County take the lead after six minutes.

Tension bursts like a balloon both off and on the pitch.

Rovers try more of the same, Giles Barnes on his return singled out for abuse, he shoots and Row Z field the ball. It’s comfortable mainly due to our commendable work rate with every individual player giving his all but we need a second.

Seconds after half time, Ben Davies picks out namesake Steve and a looping header is shepparded home by a watching Craig Bryson, two good goals.

Ben Davies adds a third just after the hour and we relax, we spray balls across the field and back to the keeper. Everyone from youngsters Mark O’Brien, who barely puts a foot wrong winning headers he has no right to and Jeff Hendrick, through to older hands such as Kilbane and Jason Shackell talk and support each other, it is a joy to watch.

Nigel Clough said afterwards it’s the same sixteen out there week in week out, I had to smile as I’m sure we once won a championship on that sort of basis!

Man Of The Match - Ben Davies

Had a hand in all three goals and the quality of his crosses justifies the belief the manager had when we bought him from Notts County last season.

A close second would be rest of the players on the park, one of the most rounded performances seen at Pride Park.

Referee Review - Oliver Langford

His first Championship game, no major errors and to his credit he tried to keep the game flowing. Flowing is one thing, missing or waving on obvious pushes and fouls is another and there were plenty of those.

Overall a reasonable referee not out to make a name for himself so a welcome change.