It has taken me the best part of 48 hours, but I finally understand the defensive tactics on Saturday - I could not understand why both full backs had been told to patrol about 10-15 yards from the penalty box, allowing the Derby wingers plenty of space for crosses. Not entirely, Hutton got in an excellent sliding tackle near the Doug Ellis corner flag which got applause, but on the whole they were near the box.
it is now clear the defenders had been told 'Do not let the ball get to Darren Bent' - and they did not. Or to any other Derby attackers. Johnstone did not have much to do, so a clean sheet was the result. Well done those men.
Oh, and that penalty call. Let me explain to Steve McLaren and the pundits what counts as a penalty. the offender has to make contact with the other player deliberately. But Nathan Baker put in a sliding tackle and got the ball, steering it away from Darren Bent. Bent then fell over his outstretched leg. Bent made contact with Baker, not the other way round. Baker got it right. The Referee got it right. No Penalty. I hope this is clear to those complaining.
