The fog, the fans and the football. A battling performance from Paul Warne’s Derby County against a West Brom team expected to finish inside the top six of the Championship once again showed what a good two weeks they have had.
A point at Burnley was followed by a convincing win over Portsmouth three days later.
Then the Rams produced a solid 90 minutes against Luton before two bizarre goals took the points elsewhere.
It was all rounded off at Pride Park on Boxing Day under atmospheric conditions and 31,000 people in good cheer.
Derby’s ability to go at a talented West Brom toe-to-toe will add great confidence to the ranks.
Jerry Yates’ fifth goal of the season was rounded off by Kayden Jackson’s deflected strike off a West Brom defender.
The Rams were at it and they exploited West Brom’s frustration as the game went on.
Again, they were thwarted by the quality of impact substitutions as Grady Diangana headed in from a cross from the right, but after an onslaught at the end and some clever game management, the Rams prevailed to beat only their second top-eight side of the season.
At the halfway stage, Warne will be pleased with the progress. Like all newly-promoted teams there are frailties but individuals seem to be adapting to the pace and physicality of the division.
The likes of Ebou Adams and Kenzo Goudmijn are starting to show what good deals they were, while Kane Wilson’s energy has all the mechanics of a spinning top: pull the string and watch him run.
Supporters will also be happy with their half-term report and with the January window around the corner, owner David Clowes has already pledged support for Warne’s shopping list. So far, so good.
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