Kazim-Richards proves he is ageing like a fine wine in latest Derby victory

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Colin Kazim-Richards grabbed another goal contribution on Tuesday evening as Derby County claimed a convincing 2-0 win over Huddersfield Town, courtesy of a goal in either half from George Edmundson and Martyn Waghorn.

The first chance of the half fell to the visitors in the 12th minute as the well-travelled Fraizer Campbell found a yard of space in the box before directing his close-range effort goalbound. David Marshall was more than equal to the 33-year-old’s attempt, however, as the Scotsman pulled off a terrific reaction save to keep it goalless. 

Kazim-Richards then had a half-chance for the hosts. Nathan Byrne’s corner delivery was originally met by Graeme Shinnie, his looped header then found Derby’s top scorer who could only float his header over the crossbar on this occasion.

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Aaron Rowe then fashioned a second chance for the Terriers. The winger displayed some tricky footwork on the left hand side of the box before firing his effort high and wide into the South Stand.

The scoring was then opened by Rangers loanee George Edmundson as Derby took the lead. Byrne’s original corner delivery was dealt with, but the ball fell back to him kindly, offering him a second attempt. The resulting cross was put on a plate for the defender who thumped his effort past the flailing Ryan Schofield with ease.

With a one-goal lead, the Rams appeared to take complete control of the game, barely allowing Huddersfield to take a touch out of their own half. 

Despite the control, Rooney’s men weren’t exactly creating an abundance of chances. Kazim-Richards tried a hard and low free-kick in the 36th minute, though that was the last real opportunity of the half as the hosts then retained the ball superbly until half-time.

A double substitution and a formation change ensued for Derby at half-time as Edmundson and Lee Gregory made way for Kamil Jozwiak and Martyn Waghorn with the hosts switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-2-3-1.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first with the Rams in complete control. Their domination was then rewarded in the 66th minute as they doubled their advantage.

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Kazim-Richards, once again the focal point of Derby’s attack, had brought the ball down well in the centre of his own half before wriggling away from his marker. Upon spotting the run of Waghorn, he unleashed a scintillating through ball, splitting through the centre of the Huddersfield defence, meaning all his teammate had to do was finish, and finish he did.

Schofield quickly rushed out to put Waghorn under pressure, but the forward’s experience shone through as he finished into the top right hand corner with aplomb, putting an end to his goal drought.

Rooney’s men then hung onto their lead to seal a vital three points, securing their sixth win in eight games and moving above the Terriers in the league table ahead of the East Midlands Derby on Friday night. 

What a free signing ‘CKR’ has turned out to be for the Rams. The journeyman now has six goals and two assists in his 24 appearances this season. His link-up play has been phenomenal throughout and his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch have certainly played a hand in Derby’s recent turnaround of form. 

The 34-year-old’s contract is set to expire in the summer, he’s certain to see that contract extended, however, should he continue in his current ways.

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