“Never seen so much young talent at Pride Park”: Some Derby fans react to 1-0 win vs Coventry City + Match Report

Coventry City 0-1 Derby County – Match Report

Derby County secured a 1-0 victory over Coventry City in their penultimate pre-season friendly at Liberty Way on Wednesday, thanks to a first-half headed goal from Bradley Johnson.  

Young defender Calum MacDonald was given a run-out by manager Frank Lampard. Kelle Roos started between the sticks, with Richard Keogh partnering MacDonald while Andre Wisdom and Max Lowe started as the full-backs. Jamie Hanson, Tom Huddlestone and Johnson formed the midfield triumvirate, behind an attacking trio of Luke Thomas, Mason Bennett and David Nugent. 

The Rams were off to a bright start, creating an opening just two minutes in but Thomas fired his shot high and wide, after being fed in by Lowe. Two minutes later, Huddlestone came very close to breaking the deadlock but his fierce volley was just about turned away from goal by the Coventry keeper.  

A blip from Keogh allowed the Sky Blues an opportunity in the 11th minute but Jordan Ponticelli’s effort was blocked off by Wisdom. Keogh then saw a header just go over the bar.  

In the 31st minute, Derby finally managed to break the deadlock, as Johnson powered home a strong header after being found by a pinpoint cross from Wisdom. Johnson came close to scoring with another headed effort shortly before half-time, while Bennett saw his effort roll wide. 

Lampard changed the entire line-up at half-time, with the Rams line-up now featuring Jonathan Mitchell in goal behind a back-four of Jayden Bogle, Alex Pearce, Curtis Davies and the young Max Bird. Joe Ledley, loanee Mason Mount and 16-year-old Louie Sibley made up the midfield, with a front three of Harry Wilson, Tom Lawrence and Cameron Jerome.

It was Coventry who had the first chance after the restart, when Tom Davies headed a Tony Andreau free-kick towards the goal but Mitchell was up to the task.

Derby gradually got better and on-loan Chelsea prodigy Mount was involved in a brilliant move on the hour-mark, only to not apply the final touches. He came close once again but was denied this time out by the Coventry keeper.  

The Rams then had a great chance to put the game to bed as they were awarded a penalty in the 65th minute after Bogle’s shot was handled in the box. Lawrence stepped up to take the spot-kick but saw Liam O’Brien in the Coventry goal produce a solid stop on his left to keep the scoreline intact. 

Sibley had a chance for Derby in the closing stages but couldn’t make the most of it, while Mitchell made a comfortable stop from Brandon Mason late on to keep Coventry at bay and secure a clean sheet and the win for his side.  

With three wins in four pre-season friendlies, things are on the up for Lampard’s Derby County. Up next for them will be last season’s Championship winners Wolves at the Pride Park this weekend. 

Here’s how the supporters reacted to the victory.