Hull Away Part 1 – Tigers Mauled!

Last night I went to the first of our double header against Hull to witness the Rams thumping 4-0 win in the Carabao Cup.

Never before has six English pounds delivered so much value at a game of football with goals and chances galore and the all new Rams forward line generally running riot! Here’s some thoughts on what went down.

Knowing that an already struggling Hull side would make changes and Frank would more than likely load his forward line with new boys, chomping at the bit for some action, I hoped pre-match we might have a good night. That’s exactly what happened and, make no mistake, this could easily have been 6 or 7 nil which would not have flattered the Rams.

The Rams forward line of Waghorn, Flo Jo, Marriott and Mount just behind was simply dynamite and Hull had no answers. In terms of the new boys it seems sensible to take each in turn :-

Flo Jo – Took his two recent lively substitute appearances to the next level with an outrageous display of speed, agility and fancy footwork. His first goal was stunning and he has surely staked a real claim for a start on Saturday.

Waggy – Very solid performance from him, showing a lot more of what we have seen against us in previous seasons. Terrorised the Hull defence all night with strength, skill and pure graft. Cracking finish for his goal and could easily have had a couple more. Only moan was he hit a couple of woeful corners which were a far cry from the bombs he’s regularly dropped on us last season in both games.

(Captain) Jack Marriott – Very good busy performance from him which was only lacking a goal. He’s a lot stockier than he looks and out muscled the Hull defence a couple of times. Linked up well and set up Mount a treat for one he put wide with the goal gaping. Was clearly gutted when he got subbed not to have scored and was probably devastated about a minute later to see Holmes rolling a beauty across the 6 yard box (buried by Flo Jo) with his name written all over it!

Duane Holmes – Brilliant little cameo from this guy which was really exciting. Two assists in 20 odd minutes was great going and he looked super sharp from the off. Very quick, great feet and clearly a good eye for a pass, based on the one he slotted through for Mount to bag the 4th.

Scott Malone – Very assured performance from him. Very comfortable on the ball with a couple of great pieces of skill (dinking the ball over the head of the Hull winger twice in 5 minutes) and some great bursts down the wing. Didn’t have to do a lot of defending to be fair, but what he did was fine.

Mason Mount is just brilliant. Hull had no answer to him and he was simply far too good for them on the night. His body swerve on their keeper for his goal was unreal. Aside from anything else, we should always be grateful to Frank for bringing this guy to our club. Enjoy him whilst you can everybody, this kid is going to the top.

Shout out to Kelle Roos. His days at DCFC looked numbered but he seems to be winning the war with Jonny Mitchell and made a few good stops last night. Also (and crucially) he’s decent with his feet which suits our new style of play a treat.

Frank has a couple of big calls this weekend on the back of this. Who gets dropped for Bryson, if anybody (Bradley Johnson was superb last night and if Tom is fit surely, he must start)? Does Mason Bennett keep his place over Flo Jo who is on fire? Or even Waghorn who is almost the Mason Bennett finished product? The team sheet will be interesting to say the least.

What we do clearly need to be aware of on Saturday is complacency. I’m sure most Rams fans will be expecting a repeat showing but don’t forget this was Hull’s reserves and several youth teamers. That said, the feel bad factor at Hull is real and an early goal for Derby would certainly make the natives even more restless than they already are. Bring it.

Come on you Rams.

CSpaceram