Adams’ stunner fires Rams six clear in second
WARNE’S MEN WIN ON DAY WHEN PROMOTION RIVALS DROP POINTS
A WONDERFUL strike from Ebou Adams strengthened Derby County’s grip on second place in the chase for automatic promotion from League One as they overcame playoff-chasing Blackpool at Pride Park Stadium yesterday.
The Rams had their moments early on but Daniel Grimshaw was never really threatened and it was Blackpool who created the first opportunity when George Byers scuffed his shot past the post.
That was enough to spark an immediate response from the Rams who saw Nathaniel Mendez-Laing take aim from the edge of the box with his shot being tipped around the post.
Derby kept pushing forward and a corner from Louie Sibley then caused panic at Blackpool’s near post, which led to a few cheers from some home fans who thought the ball had crossed the line.
However, the referee adjudged that there was a foul in the buildup to give the visitors a reprieve but it on the Rams’ next attack that they took the lead.
A corner was half-cleared to Adams, who unleashed a terrific half-volley that flew into the far corner for a 40th-minute lead.
Blackpool tried to assert some pressure after the break but it was Derby who had the best chance when Conor Washington raced
clear through only to be denied by Grimshaw.
You wondered whether Derby would pay for that miss and it required home keeper Joe Wildsmith to keep them level when he saved a free-kick from Sonny Carey.
Derby continued to look for a second goal but they were indebted to Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson who denied Kyle Joseph when he seemed certain to equalise.
It was a huge win for the Rams as they moved six points clear in the second automatic promotion spot as Barnsley, Peterborough United and Bolton Wanderers all dropped points.
Bolton lost more ground in League One’s automatic promotion battle as they were held to a 0-0 draw away against slumping Stevenage.
Peterborough United suffered a stunning 3-1 home defeat against basement side Carlisle United.
And Barnsley also tripped up at home, losing 2-0 against Cambridge United, who are three points clear of the drop zone.
Leaders Portsmouth remain five points clear of the Rams after winning 3-1 away against Wycombe Wanderers.
And the Rams’ next game is away against Pompey on Tuesday night as the top two go head to head.
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