Derby County took a major stride towards promotion by beating Cambridge United 1-0 this afternoon.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing‘s first-half goal was the difference between the two sides as Derby secured a hard-fought victory against The U’s.
Paul Warne‘s men set a club record for most away wins in a single season (13) to remain three points clear of third-place Bolton Wanderers who did their best to keep the pressure on by beating Port Vale 2-0.
It means that only a draw against Carlisle United next weekend is required for the Rams’ to secure promotion back to the Championship. Mendez-Laing, the scorer of Derby’s goal, has placed them on the brink of glory but he wasn’t the only player to receive praise for his match-winning performance.
Louie Sibley hailed a ‘driving force’ behind the win vs Cambridge
Louie Sibley‘s excellent run in the Derby side continued this afternoon.
The Rams academy graduate has been utilised as left-back or left wing-back depending on what system Warne deploys.
As of late, the 22-year-old has played as a wing-back in a 3-5-2 system with Sonny Bradley, Eiran Cashin, Curtis Nelson and Kane Wilson making up the rest of the defence.
Having recorded an assist in the 3-0 win over Leyton Orient, Sibley contributed with an assist against Cambridge, threading an inch-perfect through ball for Mendez-Laing to finish.
Journalist Leigh Curtis described the pass he played as an “absolute peach” and was generally impressed with his all-round performance.
Awarding him a 7/10 match rating, Curtis wrote in the Derby Telegraph: “The pass for Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s goal was an absolute peach. Was a driving force at wingback in what was another decent afternoon on a terribly dry pitch. 7”
Derby County must offer Louie Sibley a new contract
There was a reason Sibley was hailed a “driving force” for Derby; he was excellent from a defensive and attacking point of view.
Although he only recorded one of his 10 crosses accurately, the Englishman did make some vital contributions at the back, recording three tackles and winning three ground duels while making five clearances and two interceptions.
There were some question marks over Sibley’s ability to defend, and while there still might be, the youngster does deserve a new contract at Pride Park.
Still only 22, the man who broke onto the scene as an 18-year-old at Derby is currently enjoying his best run of form for a while and that should be rewarded with his future tied down in Derbyshire.
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