Derby County took a giant leap towards securing promotion to the Championship by beating Blackpool 1-0 as their rivals dropped points.
Derby County succumbed to the pressure of the task at hand in the 1-0 loss to Northampton Town last weekend, but this time it was their promotion rivals who slipped up and allowed the Rams to cash in.
As Peterborough and Barnsley lost with Bolton drawing against Stevenage, Paul Warne‘s men understood their assignment by securing a 1-0 win over Blackpool thanks to a wonder strike from Ebou Adams.
The midfield destroyer is normally known for his tough tackling ability, however, today he demonstrated his cannon of a right foot to send Pride Park into pandemonium.
Adams stole the plaudits for scoring that superb winner, but Derby worked themselves into the ground and put in a performance that the supporters were proud of, none more so than in defence.
Warne switched to a four-man defence as Eiran Cashin continued to impress alongside titan Curtis Nelson.
Eiran Cashin’s stats vs Blackpool
Cashin is having a wonderful season at Derby and the 22-year-old is destined to play at the very top.
READ MORE: Derby County star Eiran Cashin’s journey from almost released to Premier League transfer interest
The Irishman very nearly joined Brighton last summer, but the Seagulls didn’t get the paperwork done in time and after watching his performances this term, they are probably cursing that error now.
Cashin has since signed a new contract at Pride Park, putting pen to paper in February, while continuing his sensational form in defence.
Today was no different, with the youngster described by journalist Leigh Curtis as “quality” after delivering an all-round performance that was befitting of his talent.
He exhumed class with the ball at his feet by making 71 touches, placing 50/60 passes accurately (83%) and three long balls while putting his body on the line for the team; blocking two shots, making four clearances and winning six aerial duels.
Those statistics won’t surprise anyone associated with Derby, but it does place his name further in the shop window.
Eiran Cashin could leave in the summer
Cashin nearly departed last summer and attracted huge interest in January, so after watching him dominate every week in the third tier, more clubs will be put on red alert.
Given his age and ability as a ball-playing defender, the Derby Academy graduate will be subjected to lots of interest from higher up the pyramid, regardless of whether the Rams win promotion or stay in League One.
Defensive talents performing beyond their years are sought after, particularly from the Premier League’s biggest clubs, so Warne could find it difficult to hold onto him.
That said, after convincing him to sign a new contract in February, perhaps his long-term future is at Pride Park.