Nottingham Forest and Derby County have a ferocious rivalry and last night a former City Ground target plunged the Rams further into the relegation mire.
Uche Ikpeazu was linked with the Reds during the summer as Chris Hughton scoured the market for a striker.
In the end, he opted to sign for Middlesbrough, with Neil Warnock landed a player tailor-made for his style of play.
His time at the Riverside wasn’t fruitful though and during the January transfer window, he signed on loan at Cardiff City.
Last night the Bluebirds faced Derby with both sides in need of three points; Cardiff to really pull clear and the Rams to pile pressure on those above them.
It’s the third time Ikpeazu has found the net since signing for Steve Morison in the Welsh capital in six outings.
The 27-year-old has been in fine form and amid Forest’s interest, Derby were also keen on signing the striker from Wycombe.
Their financial plight obviously put an end to any potential they had to sign him but Forest were very keen.
Last night, Ikpeazu offered a timely reminder of his quality.
With the clock ticking towards 90 minutes and a stalemate looming, the striker struck to send the Rams to their knees.
Forest have moved on from Ikpeazu
It’s perhaps no surprise that Ikpeazu ended up moving to a side managed by Neil Warnock.
He is a striker who typically spearheads teams that play in a pragmatic way and the striker is renowned for his work-rate out of possession.
What he is starting to showcase, however, is his ability to score goals.
He helped himself to one last night and that could prove to be a massive strike for the Bluebirds.
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It seems unlikely that he will fit into a Steve Cooper system and at 27 he probably doesn’t suit Dane Murphy’s criteria either.
Fans will have loved his latest goal though.
Although many don’t want Derby to liquidate, the fans are unanimous that it would be hilarious seeing the Rams turn out at Forest Green and Shrewsbury next season.
Former Forest target Ikpeazu may have struck a fatal blow last night.