Finally, we got the win that secures Championship status for another season. It’s been a long struggle with the turmoil behind the scenes affecting performances, allied to an atrocious surface at home stopping us from playing the free flowing football that has served us so well over the past few seasons.
Despite numerous chances, we again stretched the nerves to breaking point through scoring the winner in injury time, but to be honest, it was nothing more than we deserved, with the woodwork hit on a couple of occasions and defenders also clearing off the line. After an early goal for once from the hardworking GTF, it looked like we’d cement the win with a penalty award, but Ince’s firmly struck shot came back off the foot of the post. That gave Derby a foothold in the game although while they had a deal of possession, Gilks was largely a spectator while Derby’s keeper made a number of saves.
We can play much better, but the objective was to remain in the Division and Ince senior now has the summer to get the squad he wants and instil the playing style that suits that group of players.
Before then, there is the small matter of a Lancashire derby game with Bolton Wanderers to look forward to. I trust the players are aware of the importance of this to the fans and aren’t already mentally on their holidays. In the week of the anniversary of our greatest triumph against the same opponents, this game means a great deal.
STARMAN: Gary Taylor-Fletcher
