Derby County v Coventry City player ratings as one man leaves Pride Park rocking with in superb win
by Leigh Curtis · Derbyshire LiveDerby County secured their second win in the space of four days as they ended Coventry City's unbeaten run and ruined Frank Lampard's return to Pride Park with a 2-0 victory.
John Eustace's side had to do some defending early on when Clarke made a vital tackle to stop Haji Wright in his tracks before the Sky Blues had a couple of shots blocked inside the box.
But Liam Thompson fired a shot wide before Derby were ahead when Harness' superb free-kick was met by Clarke at the far post and he nodded past Olivier Dovin.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom then had to be alert to keep out Ellis Simms and then kept out Victor Torp's free-kick. After half-time Derby were ahead when Ebou Adams released Jerry Yates who did superbly to keep the ball in play.
His cross was met by Callum Elder and it dropped to Harness who lashed in a super finish and the on-loan Ipswich man came close to a second when he fired a shot past the upright.
Josh Eccles then bent a shot around the post before Mason Ephron-Clark followed suit. Coventry attempted to find a way through but Zetterstrom denied Bobby Thomas in stoppage time.
Jacob Widell Zetterstrom: Couple of stray kicks prompted a few groans, but he made a decent save to deny Victor Torp's free-kick in the first half. Claimed a couple of crosses too. 7
Ryan Nyambe: Was back in the team after a minor hamstring niggle and did well against a lively Coventry attack. Just defends brilliantly. 7.5
Nat Phillips: Another very solid performance from the on-loan Liverpool defender who is going to be pivotal for them in the coming weeks. A commanding display. 8
Matt Clarke: Stole in to give Derby the lead with a neat header from Marcus Harness' superb delivery. Defended his box well enough too as Derby kept Coventry at bay. 8
Craig Forsyth: Maybe in his twilight years, but on nights and games like this, there is no substitute for experience and he did everything with a calm and composed manner. 8
Callum Elder: Got forward to support the attack when he could as Derby looked for chinks in Coventry's armour and stuck to his defensive duties superbly too. 8
Ebou Adams: A real driving force from the middle of the pitch. Whatever you say about his technical ability, he more than makes up for it in his aggression and desire. 8.5
Harrison Armstrong: Got stuck in and the on-loan Everton midfielder played forward when he could. May be just a teenager but doesn't play like one. 7.5
Liam Thompson: Put a lot of energy into the game and gave chase to everything that ventured into his domain. Produced a hell of a cross that could have brought Derby a goal before the break. 7.5
Jerry Yates: Didn't have a sniff of goal but don't underestimate how hard he worked for the team. Kept on trying to unsettle the Sky Blues defence and played a huge role in the second goal. 7.5
Marcus Harness: Produced a peach of a delivery for the goal and it was one of those crosses that defenders hate. Had a decent game and was so sharp. Had the ground rocking after his goal. 8.5
Subs
Kayden Jackson (Yates 87): Didn't have enough time to make an impression. N/A
Kenzo Goudmijn (Thompson 90): Came on with the game won. N/A
Who was your man of the match? Have your say HERE.
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