Cashin stars as young Rams defeat Notts County

Derby County, without the help of trialists, made sure their pre-season ended in victory on Sunday afternoon as they ran out 2-0 winners over Notts County.

A thumping first-half header from young centre-back Eiran Cashin accompanied by an audacious Tom Lawrence penalty proved enough to settle the score.

Cashin’s performance alone was enough to rave about, scoring the winner was just the icing on the cake. It was the teenager’s first start for the senior side and it is safe to say he staked his claim for a spot in the first team should the Rams make no signings this summer.

Four minutes was all it took for the defender to get his first cheer from the travelling supporters. After fellow youngster Festy Ebosele had lost possession on the half way line, Cashin was called into action to contest a 50/50. His crunching challenge was not only clean, but saw the ball fly out of play and away from any potential danger.

Liam Thompson, another member of the academy, fed Colin Kazim-Richards through on goal shortly after the 40 minute mark. The Rams’ talisman fired towards goal, forcing a save from Sam Slocombe in the Magpies’ net which then trickled out for a corner.

The following corner was swept into the box by Louie Sibley, evading Slocombe who had rushed off his line, and met graciously by Cashin who rose highest at the back post to send the ball into the back of the net for the opener.

It was an impressive first half from the Irishman. He displayed no sign of nerves and looked just as comfortable on the ball as his centre-back partner for the day Craig Forsyth. For perspective, Forsyth started the match as captain and is heading into his ninth full season with the club.

The 19-year-old was called into action again not long after the second half had commenced, blocking a goal bound effort from former Burton Albion midfielder Matt Palmer. His block saw the ball roll into the path of Ebosele who then managed to clear the danger.

Cashin’s confidence was rightly growing as the game progressed. It was clear to see in the 58th minute when, unopposed following a free-kick, he took the ball down on his chest and unleashed an acrobatic effort high and wide of the goal and into the Jimmy Sirrel stand behind him. A rush of blood, some might say. It amused the Derby fans regardless.

Just a few minutes later, the defender gave his supporters another reason to be vocal as he dispossessed Jim O’Brien on the halfway line and burst forward into the opposition half. He then fed a short pass into Sibley who ran at the Notts County defence and took aim from just outside the box, forcing another corner for the away side courtesy of a deflection.

The hosts were applying pressure in search of a late equaliser when Cashin stepped up again, crucially intercepting a pass into the box before finding Max Bird who was then fouled. Cutting out the danger yet again.

Derby’s victory was then wrapped up with just five minutes to spare. Ebosele, another who was fantastic on the day, went down in the box following a challenge from Connell Rawlinson which left referee Garreth Rhodes with no choice but to point to the spot. Newly-made captain Tom Lawrence then stepped up and sent a cheeky Panenka effort past a red-faced Slocombe to seal a 2-0 victory.

It was a comfortable victory for Rooney’s side, however should a similar lineup start the season opener on Saturday then it would certainly be cause for concern. Derby need signings and fast. If they are unable to do so under their current embargo then Rams fans could be in for a long old season.

Experience is key and the East Midlands outfit sure do lack a lot of it as it stands.

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