One Derby County player was ‘excellent’ against Leyton Orient, despite only making nine passes during the match.
Derby County hosted Leyton Orient yesterday under a mountain of pressure.
Portsmouth were in with a chance of winning the League One title as they travelled to Bolton Wanderers, while their opponents could have leapfrogged the Rams into the automatic promotion spots if they had taken all three points.
Derby held their nerve though and dominated Leyton Orient in a 3-0 win, while Bolton and Portsmouth took a point apiece.
Paul Warne‘s side now sit four points clear of Bolton, though their rivals do still have a game in hand tomorrow evening.
It was a really comfortable display from Derby, who limited the Os to zero shots on target at Pride Park.
Sonny Bradley will claim the plaudits following his brace, but another player who made quite the impact wasLouie Sibley.
Nine passes but still an ‘excellent’ showing
The 22-year-old slotted in at wing-back yesterday and, while he only completed nine accurate passes in 90 minutes, his game elsewhere was ‘excellent’.
Sibley picked up his fourth assist in all competitions, made four key passes, completed four crosses, had two shots, two successful dribbles and made four tackles.
Following full-time, Derbyshire Live awarded Sibley an 8.5 rating for his efforts. Journalist Leigh Curtis wrote: “Had an excellent game at wing-back. Was not afraid to drive forward and take players on. Delivered a pinpoint corner for the second goal and had an enjoyable afternoon. Could have scored himself.”
Louie Sibley’s dedication is really paying off now
Louie Sibley has played in five different positions for Derby County this season, and while he was previously criticised, he has really been working his socks off in the latter stages of the campaign.
He has played wherever needed and has really made a positive impact in many key results, picking up a brace against Port Vale and scoring the only goal of the game against Stevenage.
His progress from his earlier promising days at Pride Park had certainly stuttered, but he looks to be brimming with confidence at the moment and can really play a key part in the club’s hopes of promotion.
Whether he stays in the Midlands is another story, but he will certainly know he needs to work for it and that can only benefit the Rams over the next few weeks.
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