Goals
45 - In the second dubious minute of stoppage time, Deon Burton latched on to a Fabrizio Ravanelli header and knocked the ball past Matt Glennon as he dived at the strikers' feet.
64 - Georgiou Kinkladze finished well when a Craig Burley pass put him through on goal.
93 - Burton added his second with another quality finish with virtually the last kick of the game.
Bookings
10 - Youl Alidor Mawene - Foul
Sendings Off
None
Match Report
City were desperately unlucky to be on the end of a 3-0 scoreline after putting in a highly credible performance against Derby County infront of 11,246, around 4,000 of whom were Tigers supporters. A killer goal from Deon Burton in first half stoppage time was the turning point of the game as the Tigers had been the better side during the opening 45 minutes and more than deserved to go in at the break level. Unfortunately, it was not to be and City never really recovered.
Matt Bloomer replaced Justin Whittle ast Centre Back while Ben Petty came in for the injured Lee Philpott in Midfield. Theodore Whitmore went back to right wing which meant Lawrie Dudfield partnered Gary Alexander up front. The 4,000 travelling City fans were in good voice throughout the night, which was encouraging to see.
Craig Burley had the first real shot at goal of the match, firing well over from the edge of the area. Theodore Whitmore then followed suit at the other end, creating a slight bit of space for himself before shooting over. Fabrizio Ravanelli then followed the two by hitting wide after he had also created space for himself.
However, Gary Alexander had the bst chance of the match up to that point on 36 minutes when he headed wide from a good position. He then had an even better opportunity minutes later and nearly made the most of it, forcing a very good save from Andy Oakes; the former City keepert pushing the ball round the post. Moments later, Ben Petty drew another great save out of Oakes, again to his left bottom corner. City had been the better of the teams overall as the half drew to a close, but disater struck in the second minute of injury time. The defence was cut apart as Deon Burton latched on to a Ravanelli header and knocked the ball past the advancing Matt Glennon, giving the home side a lead they scarcedly deserved. The goal was disputed, as neither trainer had appeared on the pitch throughout the half, leaving many contesting exactly where the two minutes cam from. It was a hammer blow, and one which would be difficult to come back from.
After the break the Rams started to turn the screw and Ravanelli had two great opportunities to double their lead. But first he was superbly denied by Glennon's legs when through on goal, and then headed wide at the back post from a Georgiou Kinkaldze cross. City did fire back with a good chance of their own; a brilliant David Beresford low cross was not cleared by the Derby defence but somehow found a way past Dudfield and Alexander. Also, Alexander saw a header saved as an equaliser possibly beckoned.
However, the game was virtually sealed in the 64th minute. Craig Burley played a great ball to Kinkladze and the Georgian international made no mistake when clear on goal, slotting the ball home. More bad news for City came about after the goal, as Lawrie Dudfield was taken off after sustaining a leg injury. He was replaced by Rob Matthews.
Ben Morley and Michael Price were introduced late on for Beresford and Holt respectively. Alexander had another good chance in the last minute of normal time but fired wide of goal after good work. Theodore Whitmore, meanwhile, looked easily capable of fitting in to the Derby side, as his passing and dribbling was first class. Julian Johnsson was battling for everything in midfield, as per usual. He is however competent on the ball and got forward at every ooprtunity. Another tirelss display.
Deon Burton scored his second of the match and Derby's third with virtually the last kick of the game, neatly finishing from the edge of the box after receiving a great ball from Kinkladze. It resulted in a deceiving scoreline, and one which was not a true reflection of the 90 minutes. City could have won the game, or at least taken it in to Extra Time, but lethal finishing from Burton on the stroke of half time turned the tables in the hots' favour, and you must give them credit for that. The defence cannot really be blamed, as the whole team played well, and gave 100% throughout. The players can hold their heads up high after such a good display, and now have to re-focus on the League, firstly with a trip to Macclesfield on Saturday. What a difference a few days make!
Man Of The Match - Theodore Whitmore
Was outstanding, going past Derby players at will, and hardly losing the ball all game. Many of his passes created attacks; his vision was fantastic as usual.
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