The result saw the away side lose their fantastic winning streak but they’ll take positives from the performance as Cheek continued his impressive goal-scoring form to rescue the Ravens late on.
It was the hosts who started brightest, in fact, they could have been ahead after just five minutes.
Just shy of the penalty area, Magpies joint-top scorer Ruben Rodrigues managed to steal the ball from Omar Sowunmi’s grasp before laying a tidy backheel into the path of fellow top goal-getter Kyle Wootton. Rushing towards goal, the striker aimed low but Bromley goalkeeper Mark Cousins was equal to it as he parried away.
It did not take long for the Ravens to settle down, though, as they began to dominate large parts of the game following their close call. The visitors won every midfield battle they were presented with, but ultimately struggled to make their possession count with a real lack of clear-cut chances as the game went on.
Barring a few touches early on, star-man Cheek had endured an unusually quiet start to the match. Something that would need to change should Bromley walk away from Meadow Lane with their winning streak intact.
In what was an attempt of sheer desperation, Luke Coulson took it upon himself to fashion a chance for Andy Woodman’s men in the 40th minute. The winger, who was occupying the right-back spot throughout this affair, had a shot from range only to see his effort roll into the corner flag and trickle out for a goal kick.
With half-time approaching, Coulson then tried his hand at providing as he sent an enticing cross into the box from the right-hand side. Corey Whiteley met the delivery at the back post, however, his header was smothered easily by Anthony Patterson on this occasion.
Less than a minute after kicking off for the second half, County took the lead in unlikely fashion through captain Kyle Cameron. Outside of the box, the centre-back struck a wonderfully curled effort into the top right-hand corner leaving an outstretched Cousins helpless.
The hosts could have doubled their lead in the 56th minute. A neat string of passing between Jim O’Brien and Frank Vincent resulted in the latter unleashing a fierce effort towards the bottom left-hand corner. Cousins reacted well to make a strong save, forcing the Magpies to settle for a corner.
Cheek had only failed to score on two occasions this season, a tally which he ensured would get no bigger as he scrambled home the equaliser 10 minutes from time. Following a corner, substitute James Alabi saw his side-footed effort saved by Patterson but it fell straight into the path of the Bromley talisman who simply could not miss.
The 30-year-old has now scored 10 goals this season, including five in his last six appearances. He is quite the hero as of late.
A sucker punch for County though Ian Burchnall’s men responded well by piling pressure back onto the visitors. It almost paid off in the 86th minute as former Newcastle United youngster Cal Roberts smashed an effort off the crossbar from what must have been 40 yards out.
Three points were not to follow for the Magpies, however, who were unable to forge ahead in the dying embers, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.
The encounter saw both sides remain in the same league position with Bromley sitting sixth and County in eighth.
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It is set to be a challenging affair for the Magpies who will have to put an end to their visitors’ impressive win-streak should they want to add to their points tally.
Remarkably, Andy Woodman’s men have tasted nothing but victory in their last seven encounters, including an FA Cup fourth qualifying round victory against Hungerford Town. Their last defeat came at the hands of Boreham Wood on September 11th as Bromley were defeated 3-2 that afternoon.
The Ravens currently occupy sixth place despite having played two fewer matches than the majority of their league table neighbours. It has certainly been a superb start to the season for the southeast London club.
County sit just one point and two places below the away side, meaning three points this evening would see them leapfrog Woodman’s side into the play-off spots, though that is no easy task.
Ian Burchnall’s side are on quite a tidy run themselves, granted not quite a seven-match winning streak, but three wins and a draw in their last four in all competitions is pretty good going.
If they are to stop Bromley and extend their own unbeaten run, the Magpies will surely have to be on top form.
Kyle Wootton and Ruben Rodrigues are the standout players for Notts County at this point in the season. Both forwards have notched six goals so far this campaign, proving to be a real handful for opposition defences. Should Burchnall’s men hit goalscoring heights, expect this pair to be involved.
As for Woodman’s side, there is one clear starlet, Michael Cheek. Currently the second top goal-getter in the league, the 30-year-old has nine goals to his name and is enjoying a rich vein of form having netted in four of his last five games. He is bound to be a threat.
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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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The Magpies have had a largely successful pre-season campaign so far, recording three wins from as many games. Ian Burchnall’s men are showing no early signs of a play-off hangover ahead of their third consecutive season of fifth tier football.
In slightly less glamorous form, Derby have won just one of their three friendlies to date. The silver lining; their sole victory was over a strong Real Betis side set to compete in the Europa League during the upcoming campaign.
Rooney is heavily reliant on trialists at the moment due to the Rams’ current embargo, meaning free agents such as Phil Jagielka, Ravel Morrison and Sone Aluko, alongside several others, are likely to feature once again for the East Midlands outfit in their hunt to secure a contract with the club.
One player that will be missing for the visitors is Jason Knight. As was shockingly revealed last week, the youngster is currently sidelined for 8-12 weeks following a 50/50 challenge with his own manager.
Players unavailable for the hosts include Lewis Knight, Frank Vincent, Alex Lacey and Tyreace Palmer who are all at varying stages of their recoveries prior to their returns to first team action.
Cal Roberts will start for Burchnall’s side following his rest against Boston United on Tuesday. The Magpies also hope to give Aaron Nemane a few minutes against the Rams following his recovery from a lengthy injury.
Sunday’s affair will be the first time these two sides have faced off since July 2018, also a pre-season friendly at Meadow Lane. Derby ran out 4-1 winners on the day and will certainly be hoping for a similar scoreline this time round in order to gain a crucial confidence boost ahead of their season opener against Huddersfield Town next weekend.
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]]>A trio of fresh faces featured for the Foxes in the opening 45 minutes as Brendan Rodgers handed first starts to veteran left-back Ryan Bertrand, £17m signing Boubakary Soumaré and highly sought after Zambian forward Patson Daka.
Neither Bertrand nor Soumare were given the warmest of welcomes, both being clattered to the ground in the opening five minutes following challenges by Jonny Smith and Kane Hemmings. The Burton players perhaps taking the phrase ‘let ‘em know you’re there early on’ a little too seriously in this friendly affair.
Luckily for Daka, he did not follow the same fate. In fact, his first involvement did not even include him touching the ball, although it did fashion the opportunity for an opener.
In the seventh minute, the forward chased down a ball heading in the direction of Brewers’ goalkeeper Ben Garratt, forcing the 27-year-old into an error. Out of position, Garratt sent the ball straight to Leicester youngster Tawanda Masawanhise whose volleyed attempt flew just over the crossbar from outside of the box.
Bertrand was the busiest member of the trio as, against the odds, it was the hosts who were in control for the majority of the half. The defender was reliable throughout and, as expected, looks set to be another tactically shrewd Leicester signing.
A moment for his personal highlight reel came midway through his appearance when he found Masawanhise with a tidy pass through the legs of Jonny Smith before the teenager was fouled and a free-kick was won for the Foxes.
The former Southampton man saved his most crucial involvement until last, however, as he quickly adjusted to hit the deck and block a well-struck Jacob Maddox effort which otherwise looked destined to hit the back of the net. Alongside the impressive Eldin Jakupovic in goal for the visitors, Bertrand was much to thank for Leicester not being behind at the break.
Now onto the duo that signed for a combined fee of £40m this summer from RB Salzburg and Lille respectively. The pair each have a domestic title to their name after last season’s successes, but how did they fare against League One opposition? Simply put, quietly.
Daka’s aforementioned involvement was perhaps the only moment of his performance worth noting, the Burton backline were sound throughout and did an excellent job of isolating the striker.
The travelling support might have hoped for a little more from the player essentially brought in as the heir to Jamie Vardy’s throne. Fortunately, it was only a pre-season cameo appearance and can be taken with a pinch of salt. There is surely more to come from Erling Haaland’s former strike partner.
Soumare was a little less quiet, but still not quite as influential as might have been expected of him. The Frenchman was ever so tightly marked throughout the duration of his appearance and saw his impact severely limited.
He did, however, showcase some impressive footwork, looking bright whenever the ball was at his feet. He rarely lost possession and certainly looked the livelier of the pair.
Leicester fielded a completely new side for the second-half, meaning the day came to an early end for the trio of new signings.
There was little to separate the two sides in the second period. Burton came the closest through a Tom Hamer diving header, but in the end, it didn’t trouble Daniel Iversen in goal as it flew just wide of the post.
With the score still level at full-time, a penalty shootout was required to decide who would lift this year’s edition of the Bass Charity Vase.
Remarkably, the Foxes failed to score on any of their first three attempts, handing the Brewers a clear path to victory which they took with open arms to defeat the odds and lift the trophy instead of their Premier League opposition.
There is no debating that it was a below-par performance from the Foxes, however, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s side were deserving of their triumph and fantastically controlled the game. It is, without doubt, a promising sign for Burton, who have a point to prove this season following their ‘great escape’ campaign of 2020/21. Could they be dark horses for promotion to the Championship?
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Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink’s men will act as the Foxes’ first opponent of pre-season, they are far from favourites in this tie, but they are not to be written off.
The hosts have extra incentive to cause an upset this weekend as they have the opportunity to lift the Bass Charity Vase for the first time since 2016. This unique piece of silverware has been contested by a variety of clubs throughout England since it was founded in 1889, although it is Midlands-based clubs that have predominantly featured in the friendly association football tournament to date.
The competition was created to raise funds for medical and hospital charities and the trophy itself is reputed to be one of the most valuable in English football. Burton are the second most successful side in the history of the competition, having lifted the trophy 12 times, only Derby County (20) have reigned victorious on more occasions.
It has been a mixed bag of results in pre-season for Hasselbaink’s squad so far. From their three fixtures they have returned two wins against non-league opposition, Nuneaton Town and Bognor Regis Town, 3-1 and 3-0 respectively, prior to a 2-1 defeat against League Two side Scunthorpe United.
With seven goals scored by seven individuals so far, there is yet to be a standout star in pre-season to keep a closer eye on once Brendan Rodgers’ side come to town. With that said, last season’s top scorer Kane Hemmings is one of those seven to have gotten himself off the mark early doors as he looks to continue his impressive form into the new season.
Leicester will have the majority of their first team available for the tie, with the exception of those who featured for their countries in the knockout stages of Euro 2020 such as Youri Tielemans and Kasper Schmeichel. Even when rotated it would be one hell of a shock to see the Foxes overturned on Saturday.
The Brewers are no stranger to defeating the odds, however, having knocked an array of higher league opposition out of cup competitions in recent years, something Leicester will be aware of due to suffering the same fate in 2012, a 4-2 defeat in League Cup action at home to Burton themselves.
Yes, it is pre-season and yes, it is a friendly, however, do not expect Hasselbaink’s squad to take this lightly. They want their trophy back and they will be determined to prove a point against a Leicester side preparing to take on their second consecutive season of European football.
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]]>The 27-year-old set the tone early on, having a bright start to the game as he found Gregory in space in the opening two minutes. Under pressure and off-balance, the Welshman picked out his teammate in hope of mounting an attack, but the Stoke City loanee was unable to break down the Hatters’ backline.
Often one to delve into the trickery textbook, Lawrence tried to muster his way past Matty Pearson in spectacular fashion five minutes after his first involvement, however, the Keighley-born defender was having none of it as he dispossessed the Welshman with ease.
Moments later, the hosts took the lead. Sprightly youngster Louie Sibley sent crossed the ball into the box which was met by Martyn Waghorn. The ball trickled towards goal, on a plate for Gregory to tap home from close range, as the striker grabbed his fourth goal of the season and his third for the Rams.
Usually an out and out winger, Lawrence occupied a deeper role to face Nathan Jones’ side, taking the position of left-wing-back. He had played a similar role for his country in their recent fixtures, perhaps something that played a part in his inclusion over first-team regular Lee Buchanan.
The Manchester United academy graduate won a free-kick in the 14th minute as James Bree knocked him off the pitch in a sprint to meet the ball. Four minutes later, he missed a chance from close range as he sent his effort wide of the far post. The former Leicester City man then rounded off his involvement for the half with a miskick as part of an attempted corner routine.
The work rate of Derby’s no.10 has fallen into criticism on countless occasions throughout his spell at the club, but it was not up for debate in the first-half of this encounter. The winger worked tirelessly in the opening 45 minutes, constantly applying pressure to those within his vicinity.
A sound first-half display was made better within minutes of the second-half beginning, winning a penalty following an array of tidy step-overs. Shinnie then stepped up to the spot, fired his effort past Simon Sluga and doubled the home side’s advantage in a cool fashion.
Although it was not his name added to the scoresheet, his involvement in the goal was crucial to the way the match panned out.
Following Shinnie’s penalty, Lawrence had somewhat of an energy burst. He looked unbeatable, though only for a couple of minutes.
Firstly demonstrating his confidence on the ball, driving down the centre of the pitch before trying to find Gregory once again. The ball just escaped the 32-year-old’s grasp at this time of asking. Secondly, weaving his way into the box and flashing a shot at goal which had to be scuppered out for a corner.
Lawrence became somewhat of a passenger for the remainder of his time on the pitch, prior to his eventual substitution in the 83rd minute as he made way for Buchanan, but his impact was undeniable.
In a time where Derby are in desperate need of individuals to step up as they try their best to claw themselves away from the relegation battle, the once infamous ace put on a performance that set an example.
The victory was huge for the Rams. Rotherham United, Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday were all defeated, meaning there is now an eight-point gap between Rooney’s men and the bottom three with just seven games remaining.
Despite the defeat, the visitors remain realistically unscathed. Comfortably mid-table before the encounter, their situation remains unchanged. Overall, Jones has done a fabulous job of securing a middle of the park finish for the Bedfordshire outfit and they now have an excellent foundation to build on for the next campaign.
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]]>The Stockport-born winger initially signed on loan for Derby from Hull City at the back end of the 2014/15 season before a permanent deal was agreed the following campaign. After three unsuccessful promotion attempts, in which he totalled 38 goals and 17 assists, Ince took a leap into the Premier League by signing permanently for Huddersfield Town.
Subsequent to the Terriers’ relegation, the former England U21 international switched allegiances again as he secured a move to Stoke City; his current parent club. Two and a half lacklustre seasons with the Potters led to the winger being isolated from Michael O’Neill’s plans, hence why he recently sealed a loan move to Luton Town in the latest transfer window.
On Friday afternoon, Ince will return to his former stomping ground for the fourth time since his exit in 2017 as Derby play host to the Hatters. Still in search of his first win at Pride Park as part of a visiting side, could this perhaps be a good omen for the Rams?
Wayne Rooney’s side are currently bottom of the form table with just eight matches of their campaign remaining. The hosts occupy 19th spot heading into the encounter, without a win in their last six and just five points above the drop zone.
Relegation fears are far from over, but a victory against Nathan Jones’ men could provide a much needed boost for the home side in their push for survival.
Luton will provide a tough opponent, however, having won their last two matches. They have actually won four of their last six, only losing out to Swansea City and Norwich City who both have ambitions of automatic promotion, the latter well on their way to securing the title itself.
Ince has featured in six of a possible 11 fixtures for the Hatters since signing, appearing for the final 20 minutes of their last clash; a 1-0 away win over Preston North End. Yet to score or assist for his new side, he will be hoping to make an impact against his former employers should he be given a chance on the day.
Safety looks all but secured for the Bedfordshire-based outfit as they sit 13th, a comfortable 15 points above the bottom three. A late play-off push seems unrealistic for the visitors due to a 12 point gap between them and sixth spot, so with seemingly nothing to play for, there is a chance that complacency could play a vital part in the upcoming match.
Three points are there for the taking for either team. The international break will have given Rooney’s side a much-needed lay-off and a crucial chance to regroup now into the business end of the season, but Luton may just prove too hard a nut to crack for the Rams – only time will tell.
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]]>Once described by former Cottagers boss Felix Magath as an ‘extraordinary talent’, it has been seven years since the 24-year-old’s introduction to the top flight and, perhaps to the surprise of those who nurtured his development in the capital city, only five more top flight appearances in England have followed for the midfielder.
After signing for Man City in 2015 for a fee of around £12m, Roberts seemingly became a victim of immense pressure, failing to ever meet the required standard of a regular in the Citizens’ squad, instead enduring loan spells at four different clubs prior to Derby becoming the fifth.
Two fantastic years with Celtic saw the Englishman collect an array of silverware, becoming a 3x Scottish Champion as well as winning each domestic cup on two occasions. Two goals in nine Champions League appearances was hardly bad going either.
The loan spells that followed were less eye-catching, so to speak. Roberts picked up no accolades during spells with Girona FC, Norwich City or Middlesbrough, recording just one goal and four assists for the sides combined.
Feasibly now a different point, but still a point to prove nonetheless, his loan move to Derby provides him with another chance to reignite his career, but it has not been strictly smooth sailing so far for the former prospect.
Making his eighth appearance since signing, Roberts was in from the off against Stoke City, playing for a good chunk of the Rams’ 1-0 defeat, courtesy of a Jacob Brown header.
Not his most familiar position, the City loanee appeared to start the encounter up front, partnered by Colin Kazim-Richards as the Rams rolled out a 3-5-2 formation. The 24-year-old clearly deputising for Lee Gregory who was unavailable to feature against his parent club.
It took just two minutes for Roberts to have his first involvement of the game. He burst towards goal after the Potters’ defence failed to clear their lines, but was unable to capitalise, slowing down the attack before finding Lee Buchanan whose cross was blocked.
Tricky footwork then drew a foul on the edge of the Stoke area, something that became a common theme throughout the match. It was clear from the start that his dribbling ability had the potential to unlock the opposition’s back four should he be utilised correctly.
Displaying great energy in the 20th minute, Roberts raced to the byline to keep the ball in play before hitting a neat through ball into the box, but Kazim-Richards wasn’t quick enough to react.
The former Bhoy demonstrated his intricate close control once more in the 40th minute, travelling from the right side of the pitch to the left, riding a wave of challenges before finding Buchanan once more.
Roberts continued the second half in the same vein as the first, attacking with intent as he teed up Louie Sibley in the 52nd minute only for the teenager to drag his shot wide.
That proved to be his last real involvement of the game as he left the field just over ten minutes later as part of a triple substitution.
Ten minutes later, the Rams were behind as Brown headed home from a set piece.
There are undoubtedly aspects of class throughout Roberts’ game, though gaps are also evident, especially when it comes to his end product.
With his contract at City coming to an end, the remaining eight games of the season could be extremely telling as to what is up next in his career.
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]]>In what was already, on paper, an uphill battle for the Rams, they certainly made it no easier for themselves by going behind after just eight minutes.
Ivan Toney, the league’s leading goalscorer, slipped a pass through to Bryan Mbeumo who was then knocked off balance in the box by left-back Lee Buchanan. Referee David Webb pointed straight to the spot, awarding a penalty which Toney took with aplomb as he finished coolly into the bottom left hand corner to take his goal tally to 27.
Moments later there was a huge let off for the hosts as Brentford went close to doubling their advantage through Byran Mbeumo. The Frenchman was sent clear through on goal by teammate Mathias Jensen, but swept his shot wide of Kelle Roos’ near post.
By the 26th minute, the Bees had indeed doubled their advantage courtesy of a sweet Sergi Canos strike. In plenty of space, the winger cut in from the left flank and fired a low effort into the bottom left hand corner to mark his return to the starting lineup.
The Bees are in search of top flight football and the two sides certainly looked leagues apart following that second goal. Thomas Frank’s side were comfortable on and off the ball for the remainder of the half, allowing Derby no way whatsoever back into the tie.
Wayne Rooney must have been scratching his head at half-time following 45 minutes of what was essentially ‘men versus boys’. It is safe to say that his pondering well and truly worked off.
Ahead of the restart, the Derby boss made mass alterations which saw Kamil Jozwiak, Louie Watson and Max Bird make way for Lee Gregory, Louie Sibley and Teden Mengi. The change in personnel allowed the hosts to switch formations, going from a 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2.
Part of the inspired triple substitution, Stoke City loanee Gregory made an immediate impact, handing the Rams a lifeline with his close range finish in the 47th minute.
It was the 32-year-old that got his name on the scoresheet, but huge credit has to go to Nathan Byrne. The right-back burst into the box to receive the ball from Colin Kazim-Richards before putting it on a plate for Gregory to tap home from two yards out.
Suddenly, Derby were on the front foot with Gregory yet again the focal point of the attack. On the counter, Kazim-Richards launched a through ball over the Bees’ back line which his strike partner ran onto, however, just as connection had been made to strike the ball goalwards, Vitaly Janelt slid in impeccably to direct the ball out for a corner.
The substitute then had another opportunity to draw the game level from the following set-piece. Brentford ‘keeper David Raya failed to deal with the in-swinging delivery, flapping the ball back into danger, though he made up for it by then blocking Gregory’s effort within earshot of goal.
With five minutes of normal time remaining, Rooney made his final change of the evening, replacing Andre Wisdom with Patrick Roberts.
As was the case with Gregory, Roberts too made an instant impact, picking the ball up on the edge of the area and displaying some tidy footwork before slotting a pass through to Sibley. The teenager quickly shifted the ball onto his left foot and curled a fantastic effort into the matching top corner to grab a precious equaliser for the Rams.
The game ended all square, moving Derby a point further away from the relegation zone and Brentford now five points off the top two – a damaging second half lapse for the Bees indeed.
Speaking to the media after the match, Frank described Rooney’s half-time tactical switch up as a “master stroke” and it’s difficult to disagree.
Three of the Rams’ substitutes were directly involved in the comeback, eluding to a tactical nous we were previously yet to see during the England legend’s reign at Pride Park – perhaps a sign of things to come for Rooney and Derby.
The Rams face Stoke City next up, whereas Brentford host Nottingham Forest.
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