By admin 
Derby County produced a brilliant battling performance to secure their first away win of the Championship season, overcoming Coventry City 2-1 at the CBS Arena.
Derby started with intent, and a two-on-one breakaway led by Dajaune Brown saw him race toward goal with Jerry Yates in support. However, the forward appeared to be caught in two minds and was eventually dispossessed, conceding a corner, which the visitors could not capitalize on.
Both sides struggled with possession, but Derby made the breakthrough when Jack Rudoni’s back pass was intercepted by Yates. The forward took the ball wide of goalkeeper Oliver Dovin and slotted it into the far corner. Coventry looked to respond, and Ebou Adams was called into action to help Nat Phillips after a miskick almost allowed Brandon Thomas-Asante through on goal.
At the other end, Kenzo Goudmijn attempted a long-range shot that went wide, as Derby entered the break with a slender 1-0 lead.
Derby made a change at half-time, with Craig Forsyth replacing the injured Callum Elder. Forsyth was soon called upon to make a vital block to deny Coventry an equalizer. Another crucial stop came from Ebou Adams as Derby held firm in defense to protect their lead.
Derby almost added a second when substitute Nathaniel Mendez-Laing led a counter-attack, but his cross to the back post just missed the outstretched Liam Thompson. However, Yates did make it 2-0 when his shot took a deflection off a defender and beat Dovin.
Coventry responded when Tatsuhiro Sakamoto pulled one back, firing a shot through the legs of Eiran Cashin to find the bottom corner. The goal set up a tense finale, but Derby held on to secure all three points.
Player Ratings:
Jacob Widell Zetterström: The Sweden international had little to do in the first half as Coventry struggled to break down Derby’s well-organized defense. Beaten for the goal but made a solid late save. 6.5
Kayden Jackson: Played as a wing-back and delivered a hardworking display against Jack Rudoni. Supported the attack when Derby went forward. 7
Curtis Nelson: A composed performance at center-back against a strong Coventry strike partnership of Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante. Won his headers and took no risks in possession. 7.5
Nat Phillips: Had a nervy moment when a miskick nearly allowed Thomas-Asante to score, but otherwise, his aerial strength was vital as Coventry pumped balls into the box. 7.5
Eiran Cashin: Will be frustrated by a needless booking that rules him out of Saturday’s match against Plymouth. Had a shaky start but improved and excelled defensively. 7.5
Callum Elder: Brought energy to the left side and provided attacking support during counter-attacks, but was forced off injured. 5
Kenzo Goudmijn: Much improved from recent performances. Took the ball well and carried it forward, although his distribution was inconsistent. 7
Ebou Adams: A tireless presence in midfield, helping out his teammates, particularly after Phillips’ near mistake. Always involved and found himself at the heart of the action. 7.5
Liam Thompson: Not in the team to create but to disrupt. Put in a couple of strong challenges, one of which on Josh Eccles was excellent. Gave everything. 7
Jerry Yates: Took his goal with composure and showed clinical finishing. Had plenty of time to think but executed ruthlessly. Enjoyed his celebration. 8
Dajaune Brown: Had an early two-on-one counter-attack but was indecisive and caught in two minds. Still learning but contributed to the team’s effort. 6.5
Substitutes:
Craig Forsyth (for Elder, HT): Played a role in Yates’ second goal and made a key defensive block. 6.5
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing (for Brown, 68): Provided a chance for Liam Thompson. 6.5
Sonny Bradley (for Phillips, 76): Made an important clearance in the closing stages. 6.5
Kane Wilson (for Thompson, 76): Helped Derby see out the game and protect their lead. 6.5
James Collins (for Yates, 86): Made a b
rave header late on to help secure the win. 6.5