Frank Lampard’s Derby rebounded from a 4-1 home thrashing by Leeds United with a comfortable Carabao Cup victory at League Two Oldham.
A first half-half own goal Sam Graham and a second-half beauty from the impressive Mason Mount, borrowed from the manager’s former employers Chelsea, saw his charges progress in a tournament he won twice as a player.
Mount has now scored twice in three games for the Rams, and the 19-year-old would appear to have a bright future ahead of him.
Lampard needed a pick-me-up after his Championship side followed up a dramatic 2-1 opening night victory at Reading with a morale-sapping Pride Park thumping by Marcelo Bielsa’s resurgent Yorkshire side.
He made six changes and saw his men dominate the early exchanges against their lowly League Two opponents but miss a host of chances, with Oldham’s on-loan Leicester goalkeeper Daniel Iversen keeping them at a bay with a series of decent stops.
However, after Jonathan Benteke – brother of Christian – wasted a rare opportunity for the home side Derby finally took the lead on 36 minutes, albeit in controversial and slightly fortuitous circumstances.
There appeared to have been no foul when the impressive Mount theatrically hurled himself to the turf under pressure from Oldham defender George Edmondson.
However, referee Darren Bond gave a free-kick taken by Harry Wilson and subsequently diverted into his own net by Oldham’s Sheffield United loanee Graham.
It was the least the visitors deserved and that it took so long to arrive was a surprise. Following the second-half introduction of former Everton starlet Jose Baxter, Frankie Bunn’s men rallied briefly but should have been caught on the counter when Wilson raced clear only to fire wide.
Oldham’s French winger Johan Branger brought a fine save from Carson with a dipping drive from the edge of the area but the warning was heeded – and moments later Mount killed the tie with a super low strike from outside the area. If Maurizio Sarri picks up the DVD he will be impressed.
Lampard will have bigger fish to fry than the Carabao Cup in his maiden season in the dugout but, aside from a profligacy in front of goal, the performance will have pleased him. Before kick-off, legendary Oldham manager Joe Royle thanked the club for naming a stand in his honour.
The halcyon days he ushered in in the early 90s, with two Wembley visits to boot, must seem distant to those who can remember them.
Since relegation in 1994, the Premier League founder members have failed to win promotion once and were last season relegated to the bottom tier for the first time since 1971.
While it is very early, a sluggish start to the campaign, coupled with a severe, cost-cutting summer, has got some fans fearing the worst. Royle urged the home fans to keep the faith. You get the impression it will be tested over the coming months.
