It was Liam Delap who stole the headlines, as the City striker netted a hat-trick before being sent off with 10 minutes left on the clock.
City’s other goal came through Taylor Harwood-Bellis, as a dominant display saw us begin the New Year in style.
what happened
Enzo Maresca‘s side got off to the perfect start as Delap opened the scoring inside 10 minutes. A trademark Tommy Doyle corner found the City number-nine, and he made no mistake as he thumped a header home for his fifth goal in as many games.
10 minutes later City had a golden opportunity to double our lead, as Felix Nmecha was fouled in the box. Tommy Doyle stepped up, however his side-footed penalty cannoned off the post.
Despite this, City did not dwell on the penalty miss as we continued the hunt for a second.
James McAtee found space on the edge of the box and rolled in Felix Nmecha but the latter’s effort from 10 yards fell just wide of the near post.
Into the second half and Doyle once again proved a danger from dead-ball situations as he set-up City’s second.
A curling free-kick from the set-piece specialist was met by Harwood-Bellis, and the centre-back headed in to double our lead with 30 minutes left on the clock.
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As the game entered the final 15 minutes, we added a third as Delap broke into the Derby box, before slotting under the keeper for his second of the evening.
Two minutes later Delap completed his hat-trick, as a loose ball fell to the feet of the centre forward who then tapped in from close range to cap off another impressive display in front of goal.
However, the striker’s eventful evening then saw him given a red card just moments after completing his treble for a late challenge on the halfway line.
how we lined up
James Trafford‘s goal was protected by a back four of CJ Egan-Riley, Finley Burns, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Callum Doyle.
Romeo Lavia, Tommy Doyle and Sam Edozie formed a midfield three, whilst James McAtee and Felix Nmecha.
Liam Delap lead the line up-front.
WHAT IT MEANS
The victory moves City into second in the Premier League 2 table, just one point behind league leaders, Chelsea.
UP NEXT
Enzo Maresca‘s side return to Premier League 2 action next Monday, 25 January as we host Blackburn Rovers at the Academy Stadium at 19:00 (UK).
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