Derby County collected an excellent point on the road after drawing 2-2 against leaders Portsmouth, with Paul Warne now revealing the reason for a key tactical decision.
Derby County have just claimed a massive point in their quest for promotion by drawing against a side who had lost just twice at Fratton Park this term.
It was a fast and frenetic contest, as both teams looked like they should be playing Championship football next season.
Portsmouth dominated large spells, but Derby’s plan to play on the counter-attack worked to perfection having scored both goals on the break.
Corey Blackett-Taylor‘s dazzling run for the first freed Joe Ward on the right, whose powerful drive flew past Will Norris.
Their second on the night saw James Collins take down a long punt before finding Ward in space once more. He took a touch out of his feet and saw his deflected strike nestle into the bottom left corner.
Paul Warne has now revealed how Derby worked on the training ground to execute this plan.
Paul Warne explains key tactical decision against Portsmouth
Derby knew that Portsmouth were a possession-based side and Warne had to exploit one of their few weaknesses.
John Mousinho pushed his left-back Connor Ogilvie up the pitch to restrict Kane Wilson from getting forward, but this only opened up space for the Rams at the other end, with Ward taking full advantage.
Speaking to Derby’s official website after the game, Warne said: “We knew that when we won the ball back, because Ogilvie goes high and wide onto Kane [Wilson], that was the pass out and we obviously score two goals from it. So credit to the analysts, Rich and Hammy who coached the lads, you know to try and find a weakness.”
Corey Blackett-Taylor key to the counter-attack
Derby showed a different side to their game tonight by playing on the counter.
Coming up against the division’s best side presented a different challenge and Warne accepted he had to surrender possession to claim a positive result.
The visitors used the tools they had in their box, including Corey Blackett-Taylor, to pull off a counter-attacking masterclass.
As seen by the first goal, the January signing from Charlton Athletic used his electric pass to bypass three Pompey players and play in Ward.
The 26-year-old’s pace in transition made a huge difference as it allowed the Rams to soak up pressure knowing they could hurt the hosts.
Blackett-Taylor did exactly that on numerous occasions, finally demonstrating he’s worthy of the sizeable fee shelled out for him.
It’s been a difficult start for the jet-heeled winger due to injury niggles and not being given a regular starting berth, but now he’s being given a run of games, he’s making himself undroppable.