Watching this courtesy of RamsTV. Watching because 5 of the senior players ore on view. Martin, Thorne, Blackman, Butterfield and Hanson all in the starting XI.
Over the opening 45 Derby had the most possession and pressed pretty much in the way we have see the senior squad do so in the 3 pre season games so far. Villa broke faster and with more purpose. Neither goalkeeper was troubled in the opening half hour. Just after that we lost the ball in their half, they attacked down their left with one of their players going down the inside left channel. Thorne closed him down and Gordon went to "help" but only succeeded in giving their winger all the time in the world to run into space and get a measured pass. The cross came in, a shot was well saved by Barnes, ball in the air, another shot well saved by Barnes, ball out to another Villa man who hit in first time into the left hand corner. No more than Villa's play deserved IMO. Derby then got even more possession and, on the stroke of half time, the ball found its way to Thorne on the right edge of their box. He beat the full back, managed to get a foot to it and pushed the ball to Hanson on the edge of the area. His first touch took the ball ove his marker, his 2nd was a left foot shot that sped just inside the left hand post. 1 all at HT
Martin doesn't look overweight and has been chasinh and harrying. A few deft flicks which the young uns didn't read. He is not up to speed yet but match practice can only help.
Thorne was far more mobile than he was at Mansfield. Plenty of good forward passes. Sideways amd backwards when there was no good outlet forward. Read the game well and set up the equaliser.
Blackman put himself about on the right wing but he needs to show more ability on the ball.
Butterfield has looked beter than he has for a while.
Hanson was the pick of the crop. Won't have done his squad chances any harm with this display.
I would also like to mention young Sibley, our left back. Solid defender who loves to get forward. Played well first half.
Martin hasn't come out for the 2nd half which probably shows where he is as far as fitness is concerned rather than being a comment on his play.
