Derby day delight for The Rams

By Paddy Finnemore

A hard-fought performance from Derby earned The Rams a 3-1 victory over rivals Nottingham in game week two of the NFS series.

The positive result meant Derby kept their unbeaten start running after their 4-2 win over Sunderland in the previous game.

Strong tackles and fouls were a constant theme in the match with both sides battling hard to win.

It only took four minutes for Derby to open the scoring, Gareth Keeling with an easy tap in after being found by a pinpoint cross from Sam Huntington.

However, the lead didn’t last long. A wayward pass in the centre lead to Derby losing the ball and after quick counter, Nottingham drew level with an explosive shot by Ewan James was too much for Rams keeper Jez Poulson.

The rivalry was clear to see, the atmosphere was tense, and the game was matching, no side giving each other any breathing room, both sides set up well defensively and chances were hard to come by.

Two minutes before the break Emmanuel Freeman was the man who scored Derby’s second. A powerful shot by Liam Hunt was awkwardly saved by the Nottingham keeper and a Freeman got there first for a halftime lead for the Rams.

The second half was just like the first, chances were rare, but the battle was strong between the two sides. Matt Richardson came closest on several occasions hitting the post and narrowly missing the top left corner.

The victory was sealed in the 31^st minute. Captain, Pawel Tomczak got his third in two games with a simple finish after another great cross from Huntingdon. Tomczak has been on good form this season, causing Nottingham problems all game with his strength and size very similar to the victory against Sunderland.

Derby will be looking to continue their rich vein of form and make it three wins out of three in two weeks against Liverpool. That game week will be special as Derby Futsal are the hosts and all of the games will be held at St Georges Park, the home of England football.