Matchday Memories: On This Day 2020 – See CCFC’s Brazilian Rescues A Pride Park Point

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Sky Blue gaffer Mark Robins

On this day (1st December) in 2020 the Sky Blues managed by Mark Robins made the trip to Pride Park the home of Derby County with two draws and a win from their previous three Championship matches. The Stadium was empty of atmosphere for this localish derby due to COVID19 restrictions.

Rams’ caretaker boss Wayne Rooney said he would “love” to become Derby County‘s full-time manager after CCFC‘s injury-time equaliser denied him his first Championship win. The former Manchester United forward had taken over as joint-caretaker manager of the basement side in November following Philip Cocu‘s sacking. The Rams were also waiting for confirmation of a takeover by Abu Dhabi based Sheikh Khaled bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Gus Hamer celebrates his injury time leveller

“I honestly don’t know [if I’ll be in charge] – as I’ve said I’m confident in this job and this role, and of course I would love to do the job,” said the 35-year-old.“If not, I’ll be here as a player but we’ve put plans in place and if they’re not to be, at least the players have stability of knowing the plans for the next few weeks and can have something to work to. Hopefully the quicker the new ownership is done the better because I think a decision does need to be made. I’ve been asked to take the team until a decision is made and that’s what I’m doing.”

Lee Buchanan of Derby County battles with CCFC’s Callum O’Hare

Gus Hamer in the Sky Blue

Both sides missed gilt edged chances and City had a goal ruled out for offside. The Rams, bottom of the table and without a victory since 3rd October, had looked set to end their long wait for three points when a Colin Kazim-Richards header gave them a late lead from Nathan Byrne‘s deep cross. Jack Stretton had the chance to wrap the points up for the hosts but hit the crossbar from close range after Kazim-Richards had done brilliantly to tee him up. The Sky Blues Brazilian star Gustavo Hamer snatched a point for City with a crisp low strike from the edge of the area after the Rams failed to clear a ball into the box.

You can watch video highlights of the game (courtesy CCFC’s website) by clicking on the link or image below:-

https://youtu.be/P9dWXeaTG8s

The Sky Blues boss Mark Robins told BBC CWR at the time:

“I thought we looked a little bit flat but we could have won the game 4-2. They’ve had a penalty shout and I think we had one that was nailed on.”There’s things to be unhappy about but there’s things to be happy about. The togetherness is brilliant and Gus took the goal brilliantly. There’s only one player you want the ball dropping to.”For us it’s a decent point after a difficult period. We’ve got accept it and move on having been down 1-0 so late in the game.”It’s a step forward for us to go four unbeaten.”

The Sky Blues side that Tuesday night was (CCFPA members underlined):-

Ben Wilson, Fankaty Dabo, Sam McCallum (Leo Ostigard -85), Dom Hyam, Kyle McFadzean, Liam Kelly, Gus Hamer, Callum O’Hare  (Amadou Bakayoko -89), Jordan Shipley (Wesley Jobello -77), Tyler Walker (Max Biamou -77) and Ryan Giles.

Unused subs:- Jamie Allen, Ben Sheaf, Michael Rose, Will Bapaga and Lee Camp (gk)

Rooney’s Rams (assisted by Leroy Rosenior) lined up:-

David Marshall (c), Andre Wisdom, Nathan Byrne (Curtis Davies -90), Lee Buchanan, Kristian Bielik, Matthew Clarke, Jason Knight, Max Bird, Colin Kazim-Richards, Tom Lawrence (Jack Stretton -80) and Duane Holmes (Kamil Jozwiak -80) Unused subs:- Craig Forsyth, Graeme Shinnie, Louie Sibley, Morgan Whittaker and Kelle Roos (gk)  Referee: Dean Whitestone.

Max Biamou in the Sky Blue

The Sky Blues were continuing a mini purple patch following the goalless Birmingham draw on 20th November and today’s Rams’ stalemate would be the third of five draws and three wins in eight successive games up to the end of December. Though there were still plenty of defeats to come Mark’s men produced a strong finish including a 1-0 success at the Ricoh (thanks to, now CCFPA member, Max Biamou) against the Rams in early March and ended not just surviving in sixteenth spot but consolidating their Championship status as intended.

CCFC 2020-21

League Champions Norwich City and runners up Watford booked their ticket for the Premier League along with (after the playoffs) third placed Brentford. At the other end the three teams League One bound were, in descending order, Wycombe Wanderers, Rotherham United and (bottom) Sheffield Wednesday! The Rams survived a point above the trap door in 21st place!

Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.

 

 

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