Derby County player ratings v Preston as Jerry Yates rescues Rams in dismal Deepdale clash

Jerry Yates rescued a point for Derby County as they came from behind to draw 1-1 at Preston North End in a dismal game at Deepdale.

In a game desperately short of attacking quality, Kaine Kesler-Hayden was the first player to threaten as he fired a 20-yard drive that was easily dealt with by Jacob Widell-Zetterstrom.

With their next meaningful attack, Preston were ahead when Sam Greenwood used the pace of Andrew Hughes' cross to give the hosts the lead. But it was not long before Derby were level when a free-kick was floated towards the edge of the box and was knocked down for Jerry Yates to score with a header.

Liam Thompson then went close when his cross to the near post was nearly diverted in as Derby attempted to find a second goal. The level of quality both sides produced in possession after the interval was dreadful with both guilty of unforced errors with both goalkeepers reduced to virtual bystanders.

Preston fans were growing restless at the lack of quality although Derby were not much better as Curtis Nelson thrashed a ball out of play under no pressure whatsoever. A scuffed shot from Ebou Adams briefly raised heart-rates in the away end, but that trickled wide of the post in what was a rare attempt at goal from either side.

Marcus Harness then came close right at the death as he just cleared the bar with a thunderous strike from the edge of the box.

Jacob Widell-Zetterstrom: The Sweden international couldn't do much about the goal as Greenwood cleverly used the pace of the cross to beat him. Made a good save before half-time. 5

Nat Phillips: A bit unsure in possession as some passes went astray but defensively strong throughout and made one towering clearance from a corner. 5

Curtis Nelson: A solid game from the centre-back who was part of a three-man defence that didn't really spare Preston much change. Never panics and very steady. 5

Eiran Cashin: Was aggressive and got tight to Emil Riis which the striker didn't seem to enjoy. Boxed clever given the physical difference in height. Did fine. 5

Kayden Jackson: Was asked to play right wing-back and can never fault his enthusiasm. Delivered a couple of crosses but none that really opened up the Preston defence. 5

Ebou Adams: Won plenty of tackles and is among the leading players in the country in terms of those stats. Never lets you down in terms of his effort which is why the fans love him. Derby's best player. 7

Ben Osborn: Couple of moments when he clipped the ball in behind and he patrolled midfield with plenty of enthusiasm. Clocked up plenty of miles with lots of unselfish running. 5

Craig Forsyth: Had a couple of moments of indecision but aside from that, the long-serving Scot did okay without being seriously tested down his side of the pitch. 5

Dajaune Brown: A willing runner but his best work came whne he was facing his own goal as he helped maintain possession. Didn't have a sight of goal. 5

Jerry Yates: Showed his sniper skills as he snuck in at the back post to guide a header past Freddie Woodman. You have to be razor-sharp in those moments and he was. 6

Subs:

Kane Wilson (Brown 61): Didn't make much of an impact. 4.5

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (Thompson 69): Hard for him to get involved as there was no tempo in the game. 4.5

Marcus Harness (Jackson 69): Tried to find some holes in the Preston defence. 4.5

James Collins (Yates 86): Not enough time. N/A

Who was your man of the match? Have your say HERE.

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