The cup game with Conference side Southport was a lot tighter than anyone might imagine and it took a penalty in time added on right at the end of the game for Derby to make progress.
Full credit to Southport for putting on a good show. Despite nine changes to our starting line up, we came very close, with a far more experienced side, to being taken to a replay by a fith tier side.
On to Ipswich on Saturday, we put in a workman like performance against a side unbeaten at home and on a long unbeaten streak.
Ipswich play with a more direct style in contrast to our passing game so it was rather ironic that our winning goal came from the Route one textbook.
It wasn't the most entertainining of games, but it was three very important points for the lads against one of our rivals for automatic promotion.
Darren Bent didn't get the chance to make his Derby debut against one of his old clubs so will have to wait for the East Midlands Derby next Saturday.
Chris Martin scored his fifteenth league goal and eighteenth overall to continue his brilliant form sice joining us full time. He looks likely to pass last seasons total of twenty five goals.
Saturday next sees us host our biggest rivals from across Brian Clough Way, Nottingham Forest. Their manager Stuart Pearce coming under pressure now after a good start as boss.
On paper they have a squad as strong as any in the division, however they are struggling badly at the moment.
There can still be no place for complacency against them though. What better place for Psycho himself to defy the critics than Derby. Our lads will have to be on their guard as you can be assured that our rivals will be well up for this game despite their recent poor form.
I am hopeful that we will win, however those expecting another thrashing may be disappointed. Personally I would take a one goal win. A win is a win against Forest and is another three pints towards promotion.
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