Derby County’s chances of gaining automatic promotion to the Championship received a huge boost on Tuesday night, with closest rivals Bolton Wanderers being held to a draw by Shrewsbury Town.
That result means that the Rams have a three point gap to Bolton with just two games left to be played this season. That could well lead to Paul Warne’s side gaining promotion this weekend as theoretically if results around them go their way, they may only need a singular point.
Alternatively, a Derby win against Cambridge United on Saturday and Bolton only drawing with Port Vale could also lead to them gaining automatic promotion. They would however need Peterborough United in fourth to also drop points, as they still can be mathematically promoted automatically.
Darren Ferguson’s side would beat Fleetwood Town on Tuesday night but sit six points behind Derby and despite having a game in hand, have a rather large mountain to climb.
Significantly, Peterborough host Bolton on the final day of the season, a game which has huge implications on the race for second. Derby on the other hand face already-relegated Carlisle United, a game which could be a potential banana skin for the players but on paper, one that is far easier.
Paul Warne would’ve no doubt been keeping an eye out on the scores on Tuesday night, especially Bolton’s. The Wanderers would dominate across the board against Shrewsbury but couldn’t gain an advantage and would in fact come from behind twice to draw the game 2-2. That result would’ve certainly eased the pressure on some of Derby’s players, with their still be a three point gap and the club also having a superior goal difference.
Elsewhere at the top of the table, Portsmouth would see-off a spirited Barnsley challenge to win 3-2 and take the League One title. Although that has meant that Derby have missed out on the top-spot, it’s still a positive midweek round of fixtures for them despite not playing, and they look in a strong position to gain automatic promotion this year.
Writer’s View
Derby’s fans, coaches and players all know that if the club win their two remaining fixtures against Cambridge and Carlisle, then they’ll be playing in the Championship next season. Given their opponents sit in 19th and 24th respectively, they’d certainly be fancying their chances.
Draws in one or both of those games could also see them gain promotion if Bolton and Peterborough do slip up and Paul Warne’s side are certainly in a strong position currently.
It’ll be a triumphant return to the Championship for the club if they are able to get through these final two games and they’ll arguably be back where they belong.
