Carling Cup - another win

What is it about the Carling Cup? Five changes to the side that lost to Southampton at home on Saturday, including young Miles Addison playing out of position in midfield, and up against a Preston North End side in red hot form at the start of the season and no sensible Rams fan could think Derby were on for a win. Yet 90 minutes later and suddenly things are looking a whole lot rosier for Paul Jewell as a 1-0 victory at Deepdale put Derby County into the hat for the third round. Everyone involved with the club will be hoping this can be the kick-start to the season that has been talked about so often.

Pal Connolly came in for his first start of the season and also took over as captain as Jewell rang the changes, Jordan Stewart took over from McEveley at left back and Dean Leacock replaced Claude Davies in the middle. Kazmierczak was again given the chance to impress in midfield alongside Miles Addison who was a surprise inclusion having played at the back in the majority of his appearances in the reserves and youth set-up.

Preston started the better of the two sides with Ross Wallace firing over from inside the area and Neil Mellor having a powerful effort but striking the ball straight at Carroll after linking up with Sedgwick. Derby gradually clawed their way back into the game and things were tightening up with few chances at either end and after some neat link up play Kazmierczak struck the post from 14 yards when he perhaps should have scored. Jordan Stewart then broke well down the left and his cross picked out Paul Green who finished with a looping header over Lonergan in the North End goal to give Derby the lead and the first time The Rams have scored first in a game this season. Kris Commons then came close with a dipping cross shot before Carter came close at the other end with a free-kick but Derby went into halftime a goal to the good.

Preston again started the second half strongly as Mellor came close from a Sedgwick cross but the former Liverpool striker needed to stretch to make contact and couldn't get enough behind his effort. Derby soon eased themselves back into the match with Kazmierczak having his best game so far ad Addison looking increasingly comfortable alongside him in midfield.

Rob Hulse then came close twice with Lonergan going full length to save his header from a Green cross and then Jones making a desperate last ditch tackle to deny him when he looked to be away on a Villa pass. Commons, having another influential game, then hit a shot from just outside the box that flew just wide of the post with Lonergan beaten.

Preston began to throw more men forward but were making little impression against a resolute Derby defence. Carroll making one save from a Mellor header before Billy Jones well placed in the box from a knock back from a Whaley cross managed to slice his shot and the danger passed. The final whistle went with Derby claiming their place in the third round for the first time since 2001.

Miles Addison
After a quiet start gradually stamped his authority on the game and may be looking to start on Saturday after this performance.
Probably his least busy game of the season so far but did everything he needed when called upon, looks to be on his way back to his best form. Stand in captain and looked solid at the back, not as attacking minded as Mears but gave his all for the team Got forward well and set up the winning goal, used his pace well to get himself out of trouble when needed. Looks to be getting better by the game and has been Derbys most consistant performer so far this season, a rock at the back. Another assured performance from the young defender, must keep his place surely. Out of position on the right of midfield but gave his usual 100% commitment and starting to look more comfortable on the ball. After a nervous start gradually eased his way into the game and used his physical presence to win the midfield battle, looks as though he could be a contender in that position. His best performance so far, used the ball well and battled when needed in the position Derby have struggled with so far. Another lively match for the wideman, put in a couple of strikes from distance and looked to give the Preston defence problems all game. Held the ball up well and gives the extra option to the frontline when dropping deep to receive the ball, needs a goal. Improved performance from Saturday and again gave his all, another who needs a goal to boost the confidence. Came on to sure things up towards then end, not really on the park long enough to make a major contribution. Double substitution with Mears to add fresh legs, again not really on for long enough to make a major contribution.

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