April 21st • 44/46 • 2-0 (W)
It was the last game under lights of the season for a different type of Derby to last weekend, but one that proved to be just as feisty. The early phase of the game saw Ipswich reject Szmodics give Cordoba a kick while he was on the ground without so much as a yellow, followed by another player seemingly hitting him around the head a few minutes later. I won't dwell on this aspect of the match for too long as it didn't work out for them, and Szmodics got sufficient stick from the crowd the entire game to make up for it.
We got what I think was our first penalty of the season at home after Forson was brought down, and up stepped Mo Toure to take it, following his hat-trick at the weekend against Bristol City. Everyone was stood with baited breath, only to see a weak shot easily saved. He made up for it not long after though when he absolutely leathered the ball from the edge of the box into the back of the net off the bar - that's more like it Mo. Prime Buffon wasn't stopping that.
We got through to half time but I did feel like we needed to get a second to be safe. That fear came to pass after they equalised 10 minutes into the second half after Kenny lost the ball.
Not to worry though, as just over 5 minutes later, none other than Liam Gibbs netted the second with a shot placed into the far corner, after having hit the post only a few minutes prior. This was especially funny as the guy that sits to my left hates Liam Gibbs with a burning passion and basically thinks he's a waste of space, and he just stayed sat in his seat in shock at what he'd just seen while everyone stood up to celebrate, before saying "now I've seen everything". Always thought it was a bit harsh as while Gibbs isn't going to be the first name on the teamsheet, he has often been a decent utility player in recent months.
Special mention to Vlad for being a beast tonight and making a number of critical saves. He may have come under some criticism recently but there's no denying he kept us in the game tonight.
Technically, playoffs are still on, but we need everyone above us to lose their next two games. Very improbable, but the fact it's even possible at this stage of season given where we were is astonishing.
Just one home and one away to go now.