Carling Cup Semi-Final 2 First Leg

Cloughie Charm…

Derby County recorded a memorable 1-0 win against Manchester United on the same night that a Clough returned home. Nigel, son of the great Derby manager of the 1970s Brian Clough, watched from the stands as his new charges made the Rams proud. With many of Alex Ferguson‘s senior players rested ahead of Sunday’s clash against Chelsea at Old Trafford, Carlos Tevez, Vidic, and Nani tried in vein to counter an organized and hungry Derby side. The tie was decided by a 30th minute goal scored by Kris Commons, a fierce stike from outside the 18 yard box.  Even the introductions of Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick midway through the second half couldnt sway the tie. With the second leg at Old Trafford, there really is all to play for.

On a side note, Carlos Tevez, due to recent media outbursts regarding his contract situation, was forced to play this evening in a second string United side. He covered a lot of ground but failed to make a real impact. Having crossed Alex Ferguson once, surely his days in Manchester are numbered..? Just ask Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistlerooy, David Beckham…