Blackpool denied as Rams hold firm

18 August 2009 22:08
The Seasiders have now drawn their opening three games after failing to break down a stubborn Derby rearguard.[LNB]The first half saw precious few genuine goalscoring opportunities as the Rams largely dominated possession without making their advantage pay.[LNB]Derby midfielder Lee Croft had the first chance of the game inside the second minute but fired straight at Seasiders goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.[LNB]Moments later Robbie Savage crossed dangerously and Rob Hulse rose highest to connect with a firm header that flew straight into Rachubka's midriff.[LNB]The lively opening continued in the sixth minute when former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam collected possession from 25 yards and advanced forward before unleashing a fierce shot.[LNB]Rams goalkeeper Stephen Bywater - making his 100th appearance for the club - was not seriously troubled as he made a routine save and the visitors remained a threat at the other end of the field.[LNB]Kris Commons' shot flashed narrowly wide in the seventh minute and shortly afterwards an inswinging corner from Lee Croft found Hulse unmarked 12 yards from goal.[LNB]The former Leeds and Sheffield United striker headed over the crossbar and the pendulum swung back towards Blackpool in the 33rd minute when Alex Baptiste blazed a shot over from 12 yards.[LNB]Seven minutes before the break, Blackpool fashioned arguably the best move of the opening period when Adam engineered the space to hit an 18-yard shot which drew an excellent save from Bywater.[LNB]Three minutes after the restart, veteran striker Brett Ormerod - deputising for injury victim Ben Burgess - fired goalwards from distance but Bywater was happy to deal with a comfortable save.[LNB]Derby went a lot closer two minutes later when Ormerod clumsily fouled Dean Moxey to give the visitors a free-kick deep in home territory.[LNB]Commons flighted the ball in from the left flank but Miles Addison could not control his header as the ball flew over the crossbar.[LNB]In the 56th minute Hulse shot over from 12 yards and soon after Blackpool introduced Arsenal youngster Jay Emmanuel-Thomas.[LNB]The 18-year-old is highly rated by the Gunners backroom staff and captained Arsenal's Under-18s to the FA Youth Cup and Academy League Cup double last term.[LNB]He has joined Blackpool on a month's loan and replaced David Vaughan in midfield as Holloway sought to add additional pace into his side.[LNB]But Jake Buxton headed over for Derby and Luke Varney then did likewise from a fine cross by Gary Teale as the stalemate continued.[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk