There’s no questioning Derby County are the form team in the Championship and few epitomise the growing confidence in the Rams’ camp better than striker Chris Martin.
The former Norwich player was on target twice in yesterday’s 2-1 win at Barnsley – Derby’s eighth win in nine – and took his tally for the season to 12 as the Rams moved up to second.
Will Hughes and Craig Bryson have also been in fine form for Derby, and inspirational boss Steve McClaren is full of praise for the players he inherited from former manager Nigel Clough. "What we're doing at the present moment is enjoying the ride and let's see in March and April where we are and maybe get excited a little bit but at the moment there's a long way to go."
The rampant Rams are fighting hard to keep tabs on leaders Leicester whilst former front runners Burnley and QPR are experiencing a mini-wobble.
The Foxes, under the astute Nigel Pearson, are four points clear at the top following their 5-3 win over Bolton – and for a change it wasn’t David Nugent grabbing the headlines.
The Leicester striker has been in magnificent form all season, but Pearson’s men have also been inspired by winger Lloyd Dyer and their most consistent performer Danny Drinkwater.
All could feature in the voting for fans’ player of the month, but could still play second fiddle to former winner Ross McCormack who remains in red-hot goalscoring form.
The Leeds striker made it 13 goals in 14 games against Nottingham Forest – making it 18 for the season – but was unable to prevent United slipping to their eighth defeat of the season.
McCormack must have thought he had rescued a point for his side when he struck with just seven minutes to go before Matt Derbyshire scored one of the best goals of the season.
Derbyshire certainly endeared himself to the Forest fans with his stunning late strike, but the man of the moment at the City Ground is Andy Reid who continues to pull the strings in midfield.
The likes of Connor Wickham at Sheffield Wednesday, and Blackburn’s Jordan Rhodes are in excellent goalscoring form and could figure in our monthly vote. But what do you think?
Source: DSG
