Rams revel in the Ravel
RAVEL MORRISON walked off the pitch to a standing ovation and a slap on the back from Derby boss Wayne Rooney.
After an eight-year goal drought in the league, Morrison had just delivered the double which keeps the Rams’ season alive.
A must-win match for both sides went the way of the team who showed more appetite and desire, thanks to a player who has not always been able to showcase his undoubted talents.
Derby assistant manager Liam Rosenior said: “These are the moments you are in football for. Ravel has always had the ability and he sums up what this team do – they don’t give up.
“Ravel, when you get to know him, is a great kid. In training you can see his ability is outstanding and he is world class.
“What he gave us today is pretty much what he gives us every day in training. It’s a great stage for him. We are going to need him and his quality for the rest of the season.”
Morrison, 29, last scored in the league in 2014. Eight years on and what a time for that finishing touch to reappear.
His first goal was the result of a team move. Tom Lawrence tapped to Morrison, who dummied and kept running, as the ball carried on to Luke Plange. The forward picked out Morrison who beat Brad Collins.
The second was not quite as flamboyant. Lawrence hit the bar with his effort and Morrison mopped up.
After four defeats in five matches, three of them on the bounce, the Rams are 22nd and five points behind Reading having played one game more.
What happens away from the pitch in terms of takeovers and possible winding-up orders is out of Rooney’s control. What happens on it is very much his domain.
Derby will not have many easier afternoons. Barnsley barely created a chance and the sight of heads dropping will have alarm bells ringing, with home games against Stoke, Fulham and Bristol City up next.
Their best moment came with a free-kick from Carlton Morris which forced a save from Ryan Allsop.
Tykes manager Poya Asbaghi said: “It’s a big disappointment. We have to play better than that. We need to improve.
“We lost three points but we have to learn from it, bounce back like we have done before. I’m sure we can mobilise in a good way and bounce back.”