With the two teams tightly linked in the table, last weekend’s League One meeting between Derby County and Bolton Wanderers appeared to be essential in the race for promotion.
Derby County gain a key Bolton win.
In the end, there was only one goal, with Kane Wilson scoring for Derby County in the 78th minute to secure a crucial three points.
With seven games remaining in the division, the Rams are now in a strong position to gain promotion to the Championship, four points ahead of Bolton in third.
This season, however, has not been easy for Derby or manager Paul Warne.
Derby were three months into the season in October, and pressure was mounting on Paul Warne.
Warne failed to steer the club into the play-offs in 2022/23, and some Derby supporters were concerned that this might happen again this season.
The club stuck by Warne, and they are now reaping the benefits.
Cartlon Palmer’s message for Derby County supporters
Following the Bolton Wanderers match, we chatted with former England international midfielder Carlton Palmer about the result and what it means for the Rams.
Palmer reminisced on the game, but also sent a warning to Derby fans who were clamoring for Paul Warne’s head earlier in the season.
“It was a massive win for Derby County against Bolton,” Palmer told FLW.
“A smash and grab game for Paul Warne’s side, who are on a four-game winning streak. They had a bit of a wobble, losing two games in a row, but they’ve since rattled off four wins in a row, propelling them into second automatic position with 78 points.
“Paul Warne has been there, seen it, and done everything before. Four points lead over Bolton presently and although Peterborough and Barnsley have a game in hand, even if they win those games, they would still only be on 74 points, therefore Derby find themselves in a good situation. I would be really astonished if Derby let that slide.
“[League leaders] Portsmouth has fantastic guns. With four victories and two draws in their last six games, I doubt anyone will be able to catch them. However, they will need to maintain their momentum since, as previously stated, Peterborough and Barnsley both have games in hand and are in strong form.
“Derby will need to maintain their current form. Their next game is away at Northampton, followed by Blackpool and a big away game at Portsmouth on April 2nd.
“But I don’t see Paul Warne letting this go now. As I anticipated at the start of the season, Derby will receive automatic promotion under Paul Warne.
“Be cautious what you wish for. Midway through the season, fans were calling for Paul Warne’s removal from the helm.
“You have to be patient; look at the job he’s done, the guys he’s brought in; he hasn’t spent a lot of money. He brought in these players on free transfers.
“Paul Warne has done an outstanding job at yet another football team.
“Fantastic job and I think he’ll see it through and get Derby County promoted.”
In addition to the fixtures indicated by Carlton Palmer above, Derby will play four more games following their critical promotion match against Portsmouth.
Following that, another away trip to Wycombe Wanderers is scheduled for April 10th, followed by a home game against Leyton Orient a few days later.
The Rams will then travel to Cambridge United before wrapping off the season at Pride Park against Carlisle United.
It will be intriguing to see if Paul Warne and Derby can overcome those challenges and achieve promotion, as Palmer anticipated at the start of the season.
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