The ACN Match Review: Derby (a)

How did we play? 

This felt more like what we probably all expected the opening months of this season to be like, the sort of barnstorming away performance we saw at places like West Brom and Oxford last winter. We used the ball intelligently and took advantage of the huge amount of space Derby allowed us. Are Charlton, Watford and especially Derby all just crap or are we actually good now? Probably a bit of both but we’ll find out in the next few games.

What was the best bit of the game? 

Hard to pick a favourite goal. A Makama thunderbastard that goes in off the bar and leaves the keeper on his knees would usually do it for me but Maghoma turning the defender inside out multiple times and curling it in the bottom corner was a joy as well (and he even cracked a smile). November’s Goal of the Month competition is off to a good start. 

What was the worst bit of the game? 

That it was actually quite boring. Having taken the lead early and then created a bucketload of chances (we could and should have won by more) the outcome of the night was never in doubt long before we got the third goal. What’s happened to the 90 minutes of peril, jeopardy and terror we’ve become accustomed to?

What was the atmosphere like? 

A great midweek turnout of over 1,600 in good voice. The segregation around the away section put the home fans at quite a distance but without seeing the whites of their eyes it was pretty clear they were not in a good mood and there weren’t many of them left by the final whistle. On this evidence Derby are going down but they are doing one thing right – match tickets were priced at a very reasonable £22.

Hero of the match

Lots of strong performances but let’s give it to Darlin Yongwa for a cracking finish for his first goal in yellow and great energy throughout. Looking forward to seeing more of him.

Summary in five words 

The cleanest of clean sheets.