Derby County dominated the game and earned a deserved three points at Pride Park Stadium. They won courtesy to a George Moncur own goal and an unexpected brace from centre-back Bradley.
With just two games remaining, Paul Warne’s side is second in the table, four points ahead of Bolton Wanderers in third. Bolton does have a game in hand over fourth-place Peterborough United, but if the East Midlands club wins their remaining two games, they will have sealed promotion.
Bradley, a former Luton Town captain, returned to action against the O’s after serving a three-game suspension for a straight red card late in the Rams’ defeat to Northampton Town last month.
The 32-year-old had a difficult start to life with Warne’s team, only enjoying an extended run in the side after the turn of the year. However, after missing the previous three games, there were concerns over whether he would be able to return before the season ended.
Warne moved his team following the 0-0 draw with Wycombe Wanderers, and Bradley returned to the starting XI after suspension. It is fair to say he made up for his absence, since DerbyshireLive reporter Leigh Curtis gave him an 8.5/10 grade for his performance during the weekend, adding this:
“Recalled to the team following a red card at Northampton.” They made amends with two set-piece goals that nearly raised Pride Park’s roof. Will have appreciated it, and [he] was fantastic.”
The Rams’ manager is no stranger to adjusting his shape, and that is exactly what he did against Richie Wellens’ side as he elected to play with a 3-4-1-2 system to accommodate Bradley in between regular centre-backs Eiran Cashin and Curtis Nelson.
With two promotions under his belt, one of which was as third-tier champion with the Hatters, the big defender has valuable expertise in what it takes to cross over the line.
Automatic promotion is now there for the taking with Derby County able to secure a return to the Championship as early as this weekend Saturday if results go their way. However, it appears that this one will be decided on the final day.
If Bradley performs at the same level in the Rams’ games against Cambridge United and Carlisle United, Warne’s team might be well on its way to promotion.
