Perfect record on road is Derby goal before Christmas
DERBY aim to make sure they end the year with their 100 per cent away record intact when they travel to face Peterborough Lions tomorrow (2.15pm).
They have two Midlands One East games remaining before Christmas and tomorrow’s match is their final one on the road before they make the trip to take on current league leaders Bedford Athletic on January 8.
A five-game winning streak was ended last Saturday when Derby slipped to a 25-15 loss against Peterborough and they will be expected to get back on track tomorrow when they take on the third-from-bottom Lions.
“It would be good to finish with that 100% away record before Christmas,” said Derby head coach Mark Bradley.
“We worked hard on Tuesday just reminding ourselves on how well we can play when we stick to what we want to do.
“It looks like the conditions are going to be exactly the same on Saturday as they were last weekend, the forecast isn’t very good.
“We have to trust our skill set and that, in whatever the weather, we can still play how we want.
“Last weekend it was little mistakes that cost us. Peterborough had an interception try at the end that made the scoreline look more impressive for them.
“And then one of their other tries came from a knock on by us which they capitalised on.
“It’s those little errors that we have got to get rid of.
“We then became a bit frustrated with ourselves and got a bit tight in our play, which isn’t our style. We’re not big enough to play tight rugby.
“We have got to keep the width of the park.
“I believe Peterborough Lions have been putting out a different side every week, so it’s difficult to know what to expect and we will have to be on our toes.”
Sam Pittman returned to the Derby pack for last week’s home defeat by Peterborough but had to be replaced before half-time due to injury and will miss tomorrow’s game.
“Sam Pittman will be rested because of his shoulder injury and Jake Barker will come back in after performing well in the seconds since
recovering from a broken hand,” Bradley added.
“There’s no need to risk Sam’s injury getting worse.
“Jake has played three games for the twos and last week he was man of the match, so he’s back and firing.
“It shows we have got more depth in the squad now, so let’s use it.”