The Rams dropped their second-to-last preseason game at Oakwell as the countdown to the championship continued.
Derby County lost their penultimate summer friendly at Oakwell, as Aiden Marsh’s goal in the final minute gave Barnsley a 4-3 victory.
Conor Hourihane, the former captain of the Rams, scored a long-range goal that beat Josh Vickers after a minor deflection. This put the Rams down.
However, Mendez-Laing leveled the score after Jackson Smith had denied Jerry Yates with a fantastic finish that he put low into the bottom corner from just inside the box. The winger then scored his second goal of the game after Yates sent him sprinting ahead with a superb pass. He beat Ben Killip with remarkable calm.
After that, Derby made a series of substitutions, and Adam Phillips equalized for the Tykes with a shoddy goal that he snuck across the line.
However, Collins gave Derby the lead once more with a header after an excellent cross from Tom Barkhuizen, then Kyran Lofthouse beat Josh Vickers with a header. Barnsley’s winner was also not much better from Derby’s defense, as Aiden Marsh headed in a goal to make it 4-3. Paul Warne’s team will now play Real Valladolid at Pride Park this weekend to wrap up their Championship preparations.
Here are all the major talking points from last night
Uncharacteristic defending
Derby’s strong defense—which finished as the strongest in the division—was the cornerstone of their promotion season. For the most part of the previous season, Curtis Nelson and Eiran Cashin were unbreakable, and in the latter months of the campaign, they transitioned to a back three with the help of Sonny Bradley.
But for a squad that is normally so focused on defense, the type of four goals Derby let up last night was unexpected. A few glitches were in the system, and Aiden Marsh’s victory was especially disappointing because he had unrestricted access to the box.
Perhaps the organization was affected by the adjustments, which were numerous at the 60-minute mark. The fact that it happened during the preseason meant that Derby only suffered a minor setback and frustration at losing despite leading twice.
Farcical situation
Derby had to play a half-hour with 10 men after using all of their substitutes. However, no. And considering that the only thing at risk was a leg workout to get some minutes in, that seems absurd.
If Derby had sent Mendez-Laing back on, for example, just to even the score, would it have really made a difference?
Still need a number nine
Derby finished the game with three goals, but considering some of the opportunities they produced, possibly more could have been scored.
Dajaune Brown missed the post with a shot in the second half, Jerry Yates was unable to capitalize on a cross from Kenzo Goudmijn, and Kayden Jackson strangely turned down a chance from within the box in the first half.
After the match, Warne stated that he is still looking for a striker, albeit it is unclear what kind.
Will it be a targetman who can use the crosses thrown into the box, or will it be someone else who can extend the play? The player that Derby ends up signing will be interesting to watch. However, Mendez-Laing produced two wonderful finishes, Jackson got into some great situations, and Yates had an excellent game and was quite hardworking.
But it would be very welcome to have another forward of substantial renown.
The Ozoh Layer
The midfielder, who moved from Crystal Palace last week, has adapted to his new surroundings swiftly and was Derby’s best player in the first half.