Stoke City 1-0 Derby County

Michael O'Neill the Stoke City manager and Wayne Rooney the Derby County Manager chat before the game

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

A fairly evenly contested midlands derby was decided in the 74th minute with Jacob Brown of Stoke City heading in the only goal of the game. In truth, there was not many clear cut chances at either end and Derby failed to register a single shot on goal for the entire game. It was a midfield battle with both teams seemingly cancelling each other out.

Jordan Thompson #34 of Stoke City and Jason Knight #38 of Derby County challenge for the ball

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

Joe Allen #4 of Stoke City and Graeme Shinnie #4 of Derby County challenge for the ball

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

Jacob Brown #18 of Stoke City celebrates scoring to make it 1-0 in the 74th minute

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

With both Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday winning, it was a poor result for Derby leaving them only five points clear of Rotherham in the relegation zone who have four games in hand. It also marked seven games in a row without a win for Derby who are now under significant pressure at the bottom end of the table.

Jacob Brown #18 of Stoke City in action during the game

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

Nathan Byrne #12 of Derby County runs with the ball

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

The lack of goal scoring opportunities made it a rather dull encounter without significant critical incidents. Derby manager Wayne Rooney likened the first half to a testimonial and said he was “bitterly disappointed” with his teams performance. Stoke manager Michael O’Neill described his teams performance as “excellent” but paid tribute to the defensive qualities of Derby.

Wayne Rooney the Derby County Manager talking to Rams TV after the game

Photo: Conor Molloy/News Images

Written by Conor Molloy.

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