BORO BANK EASY POINTS
Wilder’s men cash in on poor Rams after compensation row
DERBY may have resolved one battle off the pitch but they lost a crucial one on it as their survival hopes took a damaging hit at play-off hopefuls Middlesbrough.
After Rams’ former owner Mel Morris resolved his legal dispute with Boro owner Steve Gibson, boosting hopes of a sale, Derby supporters had hoped to celebrate against the club they love to hate.
But Lady Luck, some dodgy defending and an inspirational performance by Isaiah Jones conspired to end a week of promise on a downbeat note.
Chants for and against Gibson by the two sets of fans were soon drowned out by The Riverside roaring its approval at Boro’s biggest home win in seven years.
“It’s been a tough week but a really successful one and it was really important we finished it like that,” said boss Chris Wilder, who masterminded an FA Cup win over Manchester United eight days earlier.
“I was delighted with the manner of it but we won’t get carried away.”
The hosts’ superiority suggests there could yet be two divisions separating these teams next term.
Rams boss Wayne Rooney, however, claimed he was to blame for the result rather than his players.
“I take full responsibility,” he said. “I tried something different and it did not come off. The way we set up was not right.
“But the first half was quite even until we conceded two sloppy goals.”
Jones, 22, joined Boro from Tooting and Mitcham and spent last season on loan at Queen of the South.
Who knows his next destination if he carries on dazzling like this?
Jones was virtually unplayable during an opening period when he created all three home goals.
Boro broke the deadlock after 15 minutes when Jones robbed Liam Thompson inside the touchline and he drove the ball in for Lee Buchanan to slice into his own net.
Max Bird goals are about as rare as Derby-based members of the Gibson fan club but his finish in the 39th minute bore the hallmarks of a seasoned marksman.
But two goals before half-time killed off Derby’s hopes.
Boro were back ahead when Jones fed Aaron Connolly inside the area and the on-loan Brighton striker shot on the turn, his effort deflecting home.
Then deep into first-half added time, Jones jinked his way to the byline, pulled the ball back and Matt Crooks had the simple task of stabbing home.
Duncan Watmore scored with his first touch in the 88th minute to kill the tie.