Wednesday 27 August 2014

Derby 1 Charlton 0 (COC) After Match Thoughts

Derby squeezed past Charlton in the dying minutes of this Capital One Cup tie to avoid extra time and penalties thanks to a late goal from Ivan Calero.

Steve McClaren made six changes, but the team was still a strong looking side.

New signing Ryan Shotton came in for Cyrus Christie and impressed on his debut. It will be interesting to see where Shotton fits in on Saturday as Christie has been in good form.

Zak Whitbread predictably stood in for Jake Buxton who's been struggling with a hip injury since the opening day. Whitbread did a decent job once again.

John Eustace was given the night off and his place was taken by Omar Mascarell. Mascarell did seem, at times, a little to anxious to impress, but made a good steady debut. 

Will Hughes started in midfield as Craig Bryson dropped to the bench and Simon Dawkins was recalled up front with Leon Best.

Best showed flashes of skill and will no doubt be wanting some more playing time.

It was a triple substitution in the second half that really injected some life into the team. 

Alefie Santos and Ivan a Calero making their first ever appearances for the senior side added some pace to the game. The other sub Chris Martin set up Calero for the winning goal.

I can see Steve McClaren having selection problems in the months ahead. Apart from recognised first team regulars, there's a lot of players knocking on the door of the first team. Farend Rawson was an used substitute and Jamie Hanson is also said to be impressing in the Under-21 side.

If Jordon Ibe does arrive in loan, he will want regular first team experience. A coaches nightmare having a glut of talent and having to disappoint those players not selected, but a nice problem to have indeed. 

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