3/1 To Win
Whilst circumstances currently mean there’s no live football to enjoy, dcfc.co.uk is delving into the archives to feature a photograph from Derby County’s illustrious history.
Every day for the foreseeable future, we’ll provide you an image for supporters to enjoy and reminisce.
Gabbiadini Stars As Derby Mark Stimac’s Home Debut In Style
Pictured here is Marco Gabbiadini heading home the opening goal of the game as Derby County defeated West Bromwich Albion in Division One at the Baseball Ground in November 1995.
Gabbiadini scored twice, as well as winning the penalty which Dean Sturridge converted, as Jim Smith’s side cruised to a 3-0 victory.
The striker headed home Gary Rowett’s corner to give Derby the lead from close range.
Gabbiadini was a thorn in the Albion backline all afternoon and after he was fouled in the box before half-time following a surging run, Dean Sturridge fired home from 12 yards to double Derby’s advantage.
Good play by Sturridge saw Gabbiadini round off the scoring in the second half, slotting home from six yards from his strike partner’s smart cut-back.
The game was also Croatian defender Igor Stimac’s first at the Baseball Ground after arriving from Hajduk Split.
Derby, who had been inconsistent in the league up until the clash with the Baggies, embarked on a stunning run of 10 wins and a draw from 11 games to fire themselves into promotion contention.
The 1995/96 campaign ended in promotion, with Derby finished in the second automatic promotion spot behind champions Sunderland.
Gabbiadini scored 68 times for Derby in 227 appearances between January 1992 and May 1997 after arriving from Crystal Palace for a fee of £1 Million.
His goalscoring prowess was so significant that the only player to surpass 60 goals for the club since Gabbiadini is Chris Martin, who has 74 to his name.
Look out for tomorrow’s Snapshot in Time across dcfc.co.uk – and remember you can suggest an image by getting in touch via the club’s social media channels.
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