As part of a series celebrating Derby’s second league title in 1974/75, RamsTrust takes a look back at December 1974.

Derby started the month in seventh place, only three points off the top but in a group of 10 top half clubs only separated by four points and all harbouring hopes of a title challenge. Our first game in December was an imposing trip to Anfield to face 72/73 Champions Liverpool. Derby were unlucky to leave with only a point, hitting the woodwork twice on their way to earning a 2-2 draw courtesy of strikes from Roger Davies and Jeff Bourne. Recently retired Liverpool manager Bill Shankly said after the match that Derby were the best team he’d seen at Anfield that season.

Next up for the Rams on Saturday 14 December was the equally formidable challenge of Everton at the Baseball Ground with the Toffees starting the day in second place and having been beaten only once all season in the league (albeit with 12 draws and a style of play best described as ‘uncompromising’). Derby’s mood probably wasn’t helped by the disappointment of UEFA Cup elimination three days earlier by Velez Mostar and Everton’s fine form was to continue, inflicting a 0-1 home defeat and taking themselves top of the table. Bob Latchford’s winner can be seen in this clip from the game.

The following Saturday 21 December, Derby travelled to Kenilworth Road to face promoted Luton who were seriously struggling six points adrift at the bottom. Like the Carlisle game in October, Derby were to turn in another poor result against a supposed weaker opponent – beaten 1-0 after a contentious late penalty given against Colin Todd, a result which dropped the Rams to tenth place at Christmas.

Boxing Day saw the visit of Birmingham City to the Baseball Ground. Derby had been beaten 3-2 at St Andrews back in September but were able to post their first League win of December with a 2-1 victory courtesy of strikes from Bruce Rioch and Jeff Bourne.

The year finished for Derby with a trip to Maine Road to face a Manchester City side unbeaten at home in the League at that point. Inspired by Franny Lee determined to make a point to his former employers, Derby secured a priceless 2-1 away win courtesy of Henry Newton and Lee’s late winner, inspiring one of the most iconic commentary pieces of the 1970s.

Derby finished December in ninth place but only three points off the top and with a game in hand. Astonishingly, only six points separated Ipswich at the top from Sheffield Utd in 14^th. Going into 1975, it really was ‘anyone’s’ title.