Derby County have been told what they ‘should’ have done in what was already a ‘brilliant’ performance against Exeter City.
The Rams’ spark in front of goal seemed to have died down in recent weeks, having only netted four in their last five games.
With Bolton Wanderers hot on their tails, Derby County needed to return to winning ways last night and they did exactly that.
Exeter City had lost only one of their last six games in League One, but were unable to prevent a 3-0 thrashing on home soil.
Max Bird was back at it again as he picked up a goal and an assist on the road, while Nathaniel Mendez-Laing made it six goal contributions in his last four games. Tom Barkhuizen then rounded off the three points with his fifth of the season.
Derby remain within six points of league leaders Portsmouth, but still have a game in hand over their rivals.
It was a ‘brilliant’ display from Paul Warne‘s side, but they have now been told they ‘should have scored more’ at St James Park.
Writing on X, Derbyshire Live journalist said: “All over. Brilliant performance from Derby who coast to a 3-0 win over an in-form Exeter. Bird and Adams excellent. Could and should have scored more. Safe journey to all fans travelling back.”
Derby County no longer relying on James Collins
Derby County had nine shots and six on target against Exeter City last night, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing claiming three of them.
Max Bird has really started to put a shift-in in front of goal too, having scored his third goal in four games last night.
James Collins has been heavily relied on in recent games, however it seems like a number of different players are now taking their opportunities and are making their presence known going forward.
The Rams now have six players on five goals or more for the club, while five of them also have ten-plus goal contributions in League One.
It has been a huge team performance this season and the responsibility set upon the entire squad should surely drive them to promotion this term.
It’s a very important win after Derby failed to claim a two-goal cushion in their previous seven games in all competitions, and it is much-needed as they approach tough six-pointers against Barnsley and Stevenage.
If Paul Warne’s side can just keep winning their games, then their game in hand over Pompey will be very handy eventually. Then we could perhaps see a huge title-decider take place between the two teams on April 1.