Disastrous day for Robins as Derby dazzle at Ashton Gate

Talking points from Bristol City's defeat to Derby at Ashton Gate, by Dan Carter

- Dan Carter

Ben Brereton Diaz scores Derby County's second goal in the Championship game against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Friday night. New City loan signing Icelano Bourgong tries to get past Derby's Joe Ward Patrick Agyemang is all smiles after scoring Derby's fourth goal

(Pictures PA and Getty)

WITH a single four-letter word starting with the letter s, one that cannot be printed here, Gerhard Struber was able to describe Bristol City's defeat to Derby County and their Friday as a whole perfectly. Yes, probably that word you're thinking of.

Like those left in their seats come the full-time whistle, the Robins boss appeared downbeat, frustrated and almost shellshocked as he faced the media having made his way around the ground to applaud what was a rapidly decreasing home attendance in the moments after his heaviest defeat as City head coach.

In so many ways, this had been no ordinary game. Players from both sides arrived in dribs and drabs shortly ahead of team news, while fans battled through Bristol traffic to support their team under the Ashton Gate lights. An hour-and-a-half later, many will have likely wished that they hadn't bothered.

The Rams dealt the first blow when Rhian Brewster volleyed home before the quarter-of-an-hour mark. Three minutes later, the advantage was doubled, and before the Robins could get into the break to reorganise, Bobby Clark had struck home a third. Three shots, three goals and Derby were already on their way to the three points.

Struber had been here before, most notably when his side came from behind to claim a point, which could have been three, against Leicester last year. Unfortunately, this time there was no magic turnaround. The second half had more in common with City's defeat to Stoke City than the draw with the Foxes.