Another one slips away

Derby Countys` brittle confidence took another knock at Oakwell this afternoon as Iain Hulmes` 71st minute strike changed what, up until that point, had been a much improved Rams performance into another defeat and condemned Paul Jewells` men to the bottom of the table going into the international break. After taking the lead there was only going t be one winner and despite some late pressure it never seemed likely that the deficit would be overturned and a Foster goal sealed all three points for previously winless Barnsley.

Derby started the match unchanged with Leacock, Stewart, Connolly, Kazmierczak and Addison all keeping their places from the midweek Carling Cup victory whilst Darren Moore, Rob Kozluk and Jon Macken lined up against their former team for the home side. Their was a physical outlook to the game early on with challenges flying in from both sides and it took a while for the game to settle down. Addison had the first real effort of the game, winning the ball in middle of the park and advancing with the home defence backing off but his effort from 25 yards flew over the bar without ever troubling Steele in the Barnsley goal. Macken had a chance at the other end after being found by Devaneys` cross only for Connolly to get a foot on his effort with a superb block to prevent a presentable goal scoring opportunity.

After the early skirmishes The Rams were starting to play the ball around much better than in previous outings with Kazmierczaks' cross finding Green who couldn`t force the ball home and the Pole then having an effort of his own when being fed by Addison but his effort from the edge of the box flew inches wide with the keeper beaten. The signs were certainly encouraging and Steele was called into action as Green found himself in space on the edge of the area and the keeper gathered his effort at the second attempt. Addison picked up the first booking of the match for a mistimed challenge and the game reached halftime goalless.

Brian Howard came close at the start of the second half when Carroll failed to claim a cross and the Barnsley skipper volleyed narrowly over and Diego Leon then came close from a free-kick as the home side started the second half brightly. Hulse found the angle to tight minutes later and his effort across the face of the goal but Steele was forced into a save after a move involving Kazmierczak and Commons ended with Hulse having another effort on goal. Commons himself then had a run and shot from 25 yards that the keeper couldn`t hold only for Steele to recover brilliantly to deny Kazmierczak from the rebound when it looked odds on he would open his Derby account.

Foster picked up a booking for a foul on Villa as the Argentine looked to break dangerously and the striker then had a decent effort from the edge of the box well saved after being set up by Leacock striding out of defence. Barnsley then took the lead with a wonder strike by Iain Hulme, the former Leicester City man lashing the ball into the corner after Leacock couldn`t clear his lines effectively under a robust change by Odejayi leaving Carroll with no chance.

Paul Jewell brought Nathan Ellington on for Villa with just under a quarter of an hour to go and his bustling style caused a few nervous moments for the home defence without ever really creating a chance. Indeed, the home side went further ahead when Foster rose virtually unchallenged from a Hulme corner to head home the second with ten minutes to go. Barazite and Davis came on to change things at the end with Commons appearing to have a knock after a tussle with Moore. Barazite swung over a dangerous free kick that wouldn`t quite sit down for Addison and Davis coming close with a header a few minutes later. Howard then nearly hit a third only to be denied by a top draw save by Roy Carroll.

The final whistle went with scores elsewhere sending Derby to the bottom of the table and the pressure continuing to build on Jewell. Whilst there are signs of improvement they aren`t enough at the moment and a victory will be needed before Derby are playing catch-up all season.

Miles Addison
Growing in stature (if that`s possible for the giant midfielder) and looks as though he can dominate midfield with his physical stature. Used the ball tidily although caught dwelling a couple of times and is looking to be one for the future in midfield rather than the defensive position he occupied previously.

Fairly quiet afternoon for the Irishman and had no chance with Hulmes` goal that changed the course of the game. Remained as captain, another robust performance from the former Plymouth man, not as attacking as Mears but looks to be a solid performer. Got forward well but sloppy in possession at times, will benefit from a run in the side to regain his form. A steady performance at the back and kept hold of the ball when required, his clearance under pressure led to the opening goal and may feel unlucky not to have been awarded a free-kick for Odejayis` challenge. Struggled slightly when up against Odejayi at the end but another assured performance until that point. On the right again and did a good job of keeping Howard quiet, made his usual breaks forward later in the match and got involved at the right end of the pitch but unable to reproduce his goal scoring performance in the week. Picked up a booking for a clumsy challenge but another good performance from the youngster. Used his physical stature to dominate the midfield at times and with a few more games under his belt could become a regular in the centre of the park. Kept the ball moving well and was inches away from opening his account on two occasions only for the ball to fly narrowly wide once and Steele to make an outstanding save the second time. His best performance in a Derby shirt so far. Quiet game for the winger and didn`t really get involved as much as needed, had a couple of decent efforts later on when the home defence opened up for him but will be disappointed with his overall involvement. Went off with a knock near the end. Looked dangerous when the service was there and closed down the home defence well at times, two efforts from the edge of the box called the home keeper into action but the ball just wouldn`t break for him. No lack of effort but it`s just not working at the moment for Hulse, in a real battle with the Barnsley backline and gave as good as he got but the longer he goes without a goal the more fragile his confidence seems to get. Much more direct when brought on and not afraid to take players on. Added some pace when he came on and had a decent headed effort but not on the park long enough to make any real impact. Brought on to late to have any effect on the game just after The Rams went 2-0 down, a useful delivery from a free kick but not much left in the game by then. The green shoots of improvement are showing and Paul Jewell must be frustrated there is now a two week break before the next game, a tricky looking match with Sheffield United visiting Pride Park. May have almost stumbled upon his most effective midfield combination by mistake but Addison looks to be settling well and Kazmierczak is progressing match by match. Having said that a result is needed, and soon, to turn things around and keep the backing Jewell has received so far. There`s still hope and I still firmly believe he`s the man to have us looking at the right end of the table come next spring, surely a win must come soon.

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