Derby 1-1 Blackburn
Derby kicked off their 2012/13 with a draw against a Blackburn.
All new signings bar Adam Smith and John Eustace were in the starting line-up and I think it's fair to say that they all played okay.
Craig Forsyth did have a few nervy moments and gave the ball away a few times. I have stated before that I see Jamie Ward more of a striker rather than a wide man and he failed to effectively link up with Forsyth. Michael Jacobs would probably be better suited to the role on the left wing.
Keiron Freeman put in some good tackles at right back, but he is a defender 100%. He's probably better than John Brayford in the tackle, but as yet does not carry the threat going forward. Adam Smith is reportedly more in the Brayford mould and could carry out the attacking threat and provide the overlap for a right winger. That's if we play one! In my opinion, you cannot play Hendrick on the right! Hendrick, Hughes and Bryson are all worth their starts, but I'm afraid three into two doesn't go! Nigel Clough needs to rest one! Rotation may be the only way to keep all three happy, but I don't expect to see Hughes rested voluntarily.
Hughes once again gave a performance that belies his lack of experience. I'm sure he will be watched on a weekly basis and if he is not snapped up by a premier club by January, I will be amazed.
Russell and Martin gave us a glimpse of what they are capable of up front and with more games under their belt they will I'm sure come up with the goods. Sammon and Ward could provide a different option too. Whoever is playing as striker would benefit from natural wide men providing the service rather than the square pegs in round hole approach that we are currently using. I say currently because Sunday was not the first time that we have used a central midfielder wide! Paul Coutts is naturally a centre midfield player, but has proved he can play the wide role.
Finally Richard Keogh again gave a captains performance in the heart of the defence. Jake Buxton has filled in admirably alongside him, but the need for another Centre Half is evident for all to see. Barker and O'Brien are still some way off returning and will need plenty of practice matches once they are deemed ready to return to action.
Stats
DCFC V BRFC
Possession 46%-54%
Assists 0-1
Corners 7-7
Offsides 1-0
Shots 15-20
On target 5-4
Off target 10-16
Fouls 11-15
Yellow Cards 1-2
Attendance 21,188 with 746 visiting fans
Ratings
Man of the Match - Will Hughes
1. Grant 7
17. Freeman 7
6. Keogh 7
25. Buxton 7
3. Forsyth 5
8. Hendrick 7
4. Bryson 6
19. Hughes 8
10. Ward 6
9. Martin 7
11. Russell 7
Subs
14. Eustace 6
7. Coutts 6
18. Sammon n/a
Not used
26. Legzdins
2. Smith
16. Davies
12. Jacobs
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