IT'S NOW one defeat in eleven games played this season, as the Rams followed up a largely excellent performance against Cardiff City with a more workmanlike one against Reading in the Capital One Cup that saw them progress to a last sixteen date with Fulham.
Both games will have pleased Stevie Mac, albeit for different reasons.
At half-time on Saturday there was an audible gasp in the South Stand concourse when the screens announced that the Rams had enjoyed 74% of the first half possession, which subsequently manifested into all round bemusement when Peter Whittingham gave the visitors a 2-0 lead 10 minutes after the re-start.
That Derby not only pulled themselves level but were desperately unlucky not to take what would have been a thoroughly deserved three points is testament to the resilience within the side, the strength of the bench and, last but by no means least, the unrelenting and vocal support from a fan base that backs its boys in times of adversity.
It's one of the many things that I believe makes Rams fans that little bit special and it once again shone through in spades against Cardiff.
On the subject of support, there was much talk among the Derby faithful after the match of the mutual support and "fan comradeship" shown from both sides of the South East corner dividing netting, as our Welsh visitors gave their full support for the separate minute-long appreciations for both Brian Clough and Rams fan Neil Dalton, who was so tragically murdered in Borneo recently.
In return, we added our full support when the City fans made a point of voicing their continued disapproval of a certain Mr Tan's fixation with the colour red!
The club's decision to once again offer cheap Capital One Cup admission was rewarded in midweek, as a near 20,000 crowd saw McClaren give starts to Messrs Roos, Mascarell, Shotton, Best and Ibe.
The gaffer will have been delighted that all fully justified his decision, with Shotton staking a massive claim for a further start alongside Keogh at Bolton today.
In my view, it will be almost impossible to drop Ibe after a truly stunning display of close control and penetration in the attacking third of the pitch.
Regardless of which way he goes with the wide pair, we have four genuine threats in Ward, Dawkins, Russell and Ibe.
So to Bolton and the land that has inspired countless reflection from one of its more famous sons. Peter Kay continues to perform to sold out venues with humorous tales of life in Bolton.
However, even he would be struggling to find any form of mirth with regard to his local side, who, unlike himself, now play in front of as many empty seats as taken ones.
Wanderers find themselves in the Championship for the third season running and with one league win all season, their most likely route of escape appears to be via League One as opposed to back to the Premiership.
Chairman Phil Gartside has a reputation for being one of the more patient and sensible chairmen in the game.
However, even he must be hugely concerned that gates have dipped to below 14,000 and that those who do still attend are less than impressed with manager Dougie Freedman.
Any Rams fans looking for a post-match pint may wish to venture to St Gregory's Club on Church Street, Farnworth.
It's instantly recognisable as where Phoenix Nights was filmed and I've a feeling that on Saturday night a few regulars will be there lamenting a 2-0 Bolton defeat as well as discussing Freedman's replacement.
