Derby County managed to extend their home unbeaten run in League One to six games with a 3-0 win over Barnsley on Saturday afternoon, with James Collins starring.
The Rams battered the Tykes and were comfortable all game, with Collins scoring a brace, and Craig Forsyth also getting in on the goal scoring action.
Collins came off the back of a hat-trick in midweek in the EFL Trophy against Wolves’ U21s, in a 4-1 win, so was in good form heading into the game.
Journalist praises striker for 8.5/10 performance
Journalist for the Derby Telegraph, Leigh Curtis, praised Collins for his performance in the win over Barnsley, giving him an 8.5 out of ten in his player ratings. He also said:
“Won the penalty having showed good movement in the box to try to meet a Barkhuizen cross. Took responsibility for the kick himself which he blasted down the middle and then chested his second over the line. Gave Barnsley a problem all game, led the line well and is flying.”
Collins starting to pick up in form once again
Collins had been in a goal scoring rut in League One for Derby, having not scored since the win over Blackpool on the 3rd of October.
But the Irishman scored another two on Saturday which put his League One goals tally up to seven goals in 16 appearances.
It was Collins’ first start in four league games, with manager Paul Warne having preferred Martyn Waghorn and Conor Washington in recent weeks.
But clearly Collins’ performance in midweek was enough to get himself a start on Saturday, and he certainly showed why he deserved it.
It will be hard for Warne now to drop the £8.1k-a-week star, when they face Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night in the FA Cup first round replay at Pride Park.