Clough Hails "Typical" Callum As Young Ram Has A Ball!
Wednesday, 20th Jul 2011 13:58 by Daniel J Sewart

The Rams were given a stern work out in their second pre-season friendly by Macclesfield town. Coming from behind twice – a largely second string and inexperienced Derby team did enough to equal their opponents.

Nigel Clough started the match with those likely to be battling for a starting position this season as well as a group of youngsters on the rise.

Rams Team:

Legzdins, B Davies (Brayford 58), O'Brien (Anderson 58), Jones, Blanchett (Roberts 65), Pearson (Doyle 65), Cywka, Connolly (Ward 58), Martin (Maguire 58), Robinson (Tyson 65), Ball (S Davies 65).

With two inexperienced full backs and players filling unusual positions the team it wasn’t until the hour mark that Nigel introduced more senior staff to try and take the game by the scruff of the neck.

Instead it was academy product Callum Ball that stole the show and put his hand up for senior selection this season.

It was the Silkmen who took the initiative against the run of play when Shaun Brisley rose at the far post to head past Legzdins in the 12th minute. Before the goal Derby had dominated with slick passing and shots on goal but an old story became new when they could not capitalise.

Callum Ball was on hand to get the Rams back into the contest almost immediately after a sublime cross from Ben Davies was met and expertly converted by the young Derby striker.

In the second half it was Emile Sinclair who regained the advantage for Macclesfield when he fired a thunderbolt from the edge of the area.

As Clough introduced a throng of the Rams best, instead it was once again Callum Ball who controlled the ball and converted his chance like a seasoned professional from 18 yards out.

Despite both teams pressing for a winner, it never came and the match ended all square having given the Rams invaluable match practice.

After the match Nigel Clough was satisfied with his team’s performance especially Callum Ball:

"It wasn't bad at all, especially for the second game of pre-season. A lot of lads got around 60 minutes under their belts, which was the plan right from the start. We will reverse things around on Friday for the other lads, so we can edge them towards playing a full 90 minutes.”

"We knocked the ball around well at times, especially in the latter stages in the first half, and despite having a fairly young side we competed well against a strong Macclesfield side."

"With the likes of Barker, Buxton and Shackell in the treatment room we are relying on youngsters like Mark O'Brien and Chris Jones, who both did very well. Without the experience and presence those three who are out give you, you will always be vulnerable in certain situations at the back but we were encouraged by the performances of O'Brien and Jones."

"Callum scored two good goals, which is great for him after signing his professional contract this week. His second goal was a typical Callum Ball strike, coming inside and shooting low and hard into the bottom corner.”

"We have tied him down for three years and there is a strong argument in this league to have a target man in your team, and in the future he could save us a few quid. If he continues to improve, progress and work hard, he will be in contention for a place in the squad during the season."

You can't read too much into these matches, especially when for most of the game the team looked very little like it will during the season.

Up next the Rams head to Morecambe on Friday for a 7pm kick off.