Derby County manager Paul Warne will take some positives from his team’s recent trip to Oxford United in the Championship.
While the Rams were far from their best in the first half, behind, they finished the game strongly with a display of quality in the second half.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing scored his first goal of the Championship season as Derby pushed for a victory.
That deadly blow never arrived, but it was another point on the road after a difficult start to their journey, as well as a third game unbeaten on another mini-run of form.
However, there is one problem that will affect Warne: Eiran Cashin’s disciplinary record.
Eiran Cashin’s yellow card record and suspension concerns
Derby’s tie with Oxford resulted in another yellow card for defender Eiran Cashin.
The centre-back took out former teammate Louie Sibley with a challenge late in the game, halting the U’s attack.
While it may have seemed great at the time, it might be expensive in the long term, as the Republic of Ireland representative is only one warning away from a one-game suspension.
He’ll be walking a suspended tightrope for quite some time, as it only resets to 10 yellow cards after the 19th game of the season.
It gives Cashin eight games to avoid picking up a booking, which is doubtful at best but could have an impact on his total performance if he withdraws slightly.
The Rams will want him available for back-to-back away visits to Stoke City and Coventry City, while a home game against Plymouth Argyle before the international break might be crucial.
Derby County yellow card and suspension record
Cashin is the closest player to a suspension thus far, with four yellow cards, but a few others aren’t far behind.
Callum Elder now has three yellow cards this season, leaving him just two bookings away from a ban.
Ebou Adams, Kenzo Goudmijn, and Mendez-Laing have two yellow cards, putting them three cautions away from a ban, which may last until the 19th game.
11 other players, including the ever-present Curtis Nelson, have only one booking and are therefore unlikely to face a punishment.
