CLOUGH EXCITED BY DOUBLE ACT
Strike pair on target for Rams
DERBY County’s twin strikeforce grabbed a goal each to down Yeovil Town and prove the Rams have found that elusive cutting edge.
Renowned for playing attractive, passing football, Nigel Clough’s Rams needed frontmen to finish off the chances created by young midfield stars Will Hughes and Jeff Hendrick.
So Clough signed Johnny Russell for £750,000 from Dundee United this summer and brought in Chris Martin from Premier League side Norwich.
And the move has paid instant dividends as the strike duo have now scored five goals between them this season.
They both netted in County’s comfortable win over division new boys Yeovil, with Craig Bryson also on target as he finished off a flowing passing move.
Clough said: “We had a lot of possession in the first half and had to be patient before the goals came but then two came in a short space of time.
“I’m always delighted when both strikers get on the scoresheet and that’s what happened.
“Johnny Russell put us ahead and then Chris Martin was where all good centre forwards should be and finished it off for the third.
“That’s five goals between them for the season now and we’re pleased with their contribution so far.
“I think Lee Grant and the defenders deserved a clean sheet as well. They played well, the defending was excellent.
“I’m pleased to win away again but we need to start winning at home as well and that needs to happen as soon as possible.”
Yeovil have now lost three Championship games on the bounce after winning at Millwall on the opening day of the season.
This was their harshest lesson yet, as Derby completely outplayed the Glovers in the first half, effectively wrapping up victory inside 45 minutes.
Manager Gary Johnson said: “The damage was done in the first half and we just didn’t seem to be able to react to what Derby were doing.
“Some players can freeze a little bit on match days.They look good in training but it doesn’t happen for them in games.
“The two goals before halftime were demoralising and although we gave it a good go in the second half there was no way back, we weren't good enough.
“But people have got to be careful and think before they criticise. We’re in the Championship and it’s a very hard division.
“There are teams that are much bigger than us and players who have far more experience..
“I need time to work out which of our players are good enough for this level and eventually we’ll get a group which can compete.”
Derby dominated the first half, but had to wait until three minutes before the break to take the lead.
Defender Richard Keogh was allowed to stride out of defence and played a perfect through ball to put Russell clear of the Yeovil defence.
The Scottish striker kept his cool as he clipped the ball over Yeovil debutant Wayne Hennessey into the net.
Just three minutes later the Rams doubled their lead, this time a slick passing move involving Jamie Ward and Russell slicing through Yeovil’s defence.
Russell eventually found Craig Bryson in the clear, with the midfielder slotting past the helpless Hennessey.
Yeovil threw on strikers Paddy Madden and Andy Williams at half-time, but within 13 minutes of the second half they fell further behind.
This time Hennessey failed to hold a powerful shot from Ward and Martin pounced on the loose ball to score from close range.
Yeovil improved and Williams and Liam Davis forced saves from Lee Grant, but they’d already been shown exactly what it will take to be competitive in the Championship this season.