'Derby's Adams leads by example'

The sense of relief at The Hawthorns on Bank Holiday Monday filtered through from Derby County supporters after their emotions and celebrations had died down.

The scenes in the Smethwick End throughout the game from the 2,542 Rams fans echoed around the stadium.

Derby's third away victory was timely and crucial as four out of the five teams vying not to occupy the bottom three all won.

When that sense of reality dawned, the result was quickly filed and thoughts about the final two matches ensued.

The Rams' performance against a flat West Bromwich Albion was excellent - Albion have huge quality in their squad as was shown with four second half substitutions of Premier League standard.

John Eustace quickly installed Ebou Adams as his captain on arrival in February and the Gambian international leads by example.

His stats burst off the page:

• Most duels won: 10

• Most tackles won: 3

• Most fouled player: 3

• Goals: 1

• Assists: 1

Adams scored Derby's opener with a near post header worked on in training in the week - his fifth Championship goal this season - and did his typical jumping salute.

His character befits the squad's attitude to this relegation battle. Constantly fighting, never giving up and leaving it out on the pitch.

Sadly for the Rams, five wins in nine games is still not enough to confirm survival.

The other teams are finding that kind of form with Luton still battling and Plymouth not done yet.

Looking up, Preston are sleepwalking into a nervy final two games and could quite easily repeat the fate which Birmingham City suffered late on last term.

As for the Rams, whatever happens in the final two matches against Hull City and Stoke, John Eustace has given them a chance. His squad have responded and despite the season-long frailties, survival is in their hands.