Derby County left it late but they managed to secure a priceless three points against Stevenage this afternoon and one player continued his fine run of form.
Louie Sibley’s 90th-minute winner from the bench sent Pride Park into raptures as the win moved Derby three points clear of third-place Bolton Wanderers, who drew at home to Charlton Athletic.
Derby, who desperately missed their injured top scorer, James Collins, struggled to gather any momentum in the contest and didn’t register a shot on goal until the 65th minute.
Unfortunately, Paul Warne revealed that Collins will be out for up to eight weeks after suffering ligament damage in his knee, but luckily they are in advanced talks to bring in Dwight Gayle on a free transfer.
Without their 18-goal talisman, Derby lacked a focal point centrally and this was demonstrated by the lack of attempts they mustered on goal.
In his absence, however, other players had to step up to the occasion and of course, Sibley took his chance off the bench, but one individual who continued his fine run in the team was midfielder Ebou Adams.
Ebou Adams stats v Stevenage
Adams has been a breath of fresh air since arriving from Cardiff City on loan.
The 28-year-old slotted perfectly into Warne’s midfield alongside the creative Conor Hourihane and Max Bird.
In the match against Stevenage, however, the Derby boss changed the system to accommodate for the loss of Collins by playing a three at the back with two in midfield.
Hourihane dropped to the bench as he was a doubt for the match and Adams partnered Bird as a double pivot in midfield.
The former Forest Green star was terrific on his debut against Charlton Athletic, outstanding in the 3-0 win over Exeter and bossed it in the engine room once more this afternoon.
Adams used his physical strength to win 12 ground duels and four tackles while demonstrating his ability to take the ball on the half-turn by drawing seven fouls.
Physically, he was faultless, but one area he could have improved was in the passing department as an alarming 17 of his passes went wayward and he only completed three of his 10 attempted long balls.
But he still played a crucial role in winning possession back for his team, which was the job he was brought in to do.
Derby fans will be hoping that the club can tie up a permanent deal for him sooner rather than later.