New boss Gary Rowett has reignited belief that the Rams could gatecrash the play-offs.
Derby’s Johnny Russell shoots at goal
Derby County’s hugely impressive 4-2 victory over Fulham seems to have given Rams fans the belief that they can still reach the Championship top six, despite time running out and fast.
A David Nugent hattrick and a strike from Johnny Russell ensured Gary Rowett’s side claimed a vital three points, and took the gap between sixth placed Sheffield Wednesday and the Rams to seven points with six games remaining.
While the result keeps the play-off dream alive for Rowett’s men, it’s going to be incredibly difficult for Derby to find a way to gatecrash the top six with so little fixtures remaining, and with Preston North End above them performing well.
It’s unfortunate for Derby that the shot in the arm Rowett has given the club has come so late in the season, as had he taken charge a few weeks before, it’s very possible that the Rams would be in the top six right now given Wednesday’s inconsistencies in recent weeks.
Derby County manager Gary Rowett
That is something Derby can take hope from, as Wednesday and Fulham have seemed to let nerves get the better of them recently at times, with both sides suffering results that have seemed unusual given how both have fared this campaign.
However, with the gap at seven points with just six games to play, it does seem unlikely that Derby will finish in the top six – but it sure as anything won’t stop Rowett trying until the very end.
One thing is for sure, Derby’s trip to Hillsborough later this month could be a vital date in the hopes of both sides
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