Despite being made to work hard, and during the 2nd half especially, be under ambush for large spells, the visitors put in a sterling, gritty performance in what was the toughest tie they have faced all season.
The Latics have only endured defeat twice this season and in neither could they say they were worked or tormented as hard as they were by the Rams. Hill, Hall and Berehall struggled at times and with Dowie resting Darren Sheridan, Derby were too often allowed to dangerously pass the ball in the Latics defensive third. Too much space was gifted and in the 2nd half, too many chances for comfort were created. Thank goodness for David Miskelly (pictured).
And it has to be said, rookie keeper David Miskelly is somewhat of an enigma. He does like to drift off his line, he does look like a rash, hot-headed breed, but when he really must stand tall and fill the boots of an accomplished keeper, Miskelly often fits with comfort. This game was his best ever, pulling off save after save and taunts of "we're going to score in a minute" by the home fans, should now be replaced with murmurs of, "who was that lad in their nets?" What will the Aussie be thinking after this display?Indeed, although it was frantic and frighteningly one way for the best part of the last 30 minutes of normal time, but for the other 60 minutes the Latics had held their own. Indeed, arguably, they should never have been 1-0 down, but when they equalised, they should have gone 2-1 up soon after.
The lively exchanges first saw the Rams draw blood on 17 minutes as Hill raced arm-to-arm with new Derby phenomenon, 17-yr old Izale McLeod. Chasing Malcolm Christie's flick-on, McLeod arched his body in an extravagant tumbled, one which superbly conned the referee, who immediately awarded a penalty. Up stepped Danny Higginbottom to coolly slot home past Miskelly.
The Latics response was immediate and deadly. Carss latched onto a defence clearance and neatly slid the ball into the path of Eyres. Running onto the ball, the former Preston winger struck it cleanly and sent a curling effort at goal . The ball spun one way and then bent back the other way leaving Poom flat footed and neatly slotting into the bottom corner of the goal.
And the Latics should have then gone ahead soon after. First Corazzin had a header cleared from under the bar and then a superb Carss ball sent Wijnhard completely through. Poom stood tall, but still the effort was in Wiggy's favour. Unfortunately though, his shot was mid-height and Poom beat the ball away.
The Latics continued to show promise and challenge well. The only concern was the space infront of the defence and when Derby played the ball about, the visitors looked to be on borrowed time. Indeed, in the 2nd half the Latics defence became strained, and wasn't helped by how deep Hill, Hall and Berehall often allowed themselves to become. It invited trouble, but fortunately Miskelly was on hand, first to tip a shot over, then to tip another onto the crossbar and finally to make a point blank save at his feet. And when the lad was beaten, Derby's cross-cum-shot effort from the wide right dipped over the stranded keeper, bounced on top of the crossbar and away. Fortune was smiling.
Enter extra-time. And the changes of Holden on for John Eyre and Wayne Andrews on for Lourenco made a world of difference. The blues looked tighter and as solid as in the first half. They also began to create again. Indeed, Hall missed a glorious chance early in the first period of extra-time and Derby likewise had a decent chance put over the bar when hitting the target looked easier. But then the fatal decision came. An Eyres corner into the box saw Carss leap for it like a salmon out of the water and he appeared to tumble forward into a heap. First instincts seemed to be that he had thrown himself at the ball, but the referee blew for a push and Wiggy stepped up to slot home his 8th in 8 games. It was a pressure penalty, but Wiggy scored it as though he was in his back garden.
Instantly from going 2-1 up, Wijnhard then missed the best chance of the match - another one on one against Poom. This time he allowed the ball to run slightly ahead and Poom cleaned up. But after getting a yellow for protesting the penalty, Poom's cleaning up got himself sent off as a few minutes later, he caught a ball and carried it out of the penalty area. The referee had no choice nor hesitation - off he went. Although this saw Derby having to put midfielder Ian Evett in goal, the Latics never tested him and instead had to count on the sterling defending and the slice of luck we'd enjoyed, not deserting us. And it didn't, instead finishing victorious against a higher league side. Oh how long ago was the last time?
Note: The 3rd round draw is simply a straight draw this time with all the numbers going into a hat. The draw will take place live on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday programme, this Saturday October 5th between 2 & 2:30pm. All 3rd round ties will be played in the week commencing November 4th.