Derby 5-1 Blackpool - Martin Treble Aids Rams Revival
In-form Derby County striker Chris Martin hit a second half hat-trick that kept Steve McClarens winning run going with victory over nine-man Blackpool. The Rams fell behind to their Championship promotion rivals early on through Isaiah Osborune, but Martin converted two penalties after the break and scored a third from open play in between. Craig Bryson and Richard Keogh were also on target as Blackpool saw their poor discipline continue. Neal Bishop and Angel Martinez both had an early bath. McClaren and County have now recorded five straight wins. Visitors Blackpool went ahead inside three minutes as Osbourne nodded in Tom Inces free kick with a flicked header into the far corner. Derby left back Craig Forsyth had fouled Steve Davies. Hosts County responded with talented youngster Will Hughes curling a free kick just wide of Blackpools goal. Martin saw two efforts blocked with Liverpool loanee Jack Robinson putting in a fine tackle on the second occasion. Winger Simons Dawkins, on loan from Spurs, then almost levelled for the Rams on the counter. Bishops last ditch block denied him getting a shot away, however. The makeshift Blackpool fullback also threw himself at another goalbound Martin shot after half an hour. Bryson scooped over from close range as Derby and Dawkins continued to terrorize the visiting defence. Bishop then survived handball appeals when the ball struck his arm from yet another Rams corner. McClaren made a half time substitution taking Jamie Ward off for Johnny Russell. It was strike partner Martin, however, that brought about the turnaround. First he won and scored a penalty when he went down under Robinsons challenge in the box two minutes after the break. Blackpools back four then failed to clear their lines when Russell took a shot and Martin side-footed in a second. Derby made it three goals in ten minutes as midfielder Bryson back-heeled his eighth of the season home after more good work from Dawkins and Wisdom. Davies then saw a low free kick kept out by Lee Grant as a shellshocked Blackpool had to rethink their plans. Paul Inces afternoon got worse as Bishop brought down Dawkins for a second penalty and was sent off. Martin coolly dispatched from the spot again to complete his hat-trick in 22 second half minutes. This was his tenth league goal and sixth in the last five. A miserable day for Blackpool continued with sub Martinez getting his marching orders too for a second booking, so they finished with nine. Derby captain Keogh netted a fifth in stoppage time when Matt Gilks could only parry sub Michael Keanes header from a left wing corner to cap an impressive second half for the hosts. McClarens Rams are looking at automatic promotion if they keep up this fine form throughout Christmas. They sit just five points off top spot. Ince meanwhile will struggle to field an XI if Blackpools ill-discipline continues.