Continuing our look back at Derby’s second title winning season in 1974/1975, here RamsTrust reviews the matches played in February 1975.

The month started with Derby in good recent form having won four league games in a row and sitting in fifth place, only two points behind leaders Everton. Derby’s first game on February 1 was away at QPR, a decent midtable side albeit they had been beaten at the Baseball Ground 5-2 back in October. Bruce Rioch gave Derby the lead in West London but Don Givens equalised. Despite going into the last 10 minutes at 1-1, Derby contrived to ship three late goals and ended up defeated 4-1. Goals from the game can be viewed here – Derby in a very unfamiliar red.

The following Saturday, old foes Leeds United visited the Baseball Ground. Derby had won at Elland Road at the start of December but a game of few chances meant the crowd of 33,641 went home disappointed with David Harvey pulling out a couple of late saves from Newton and Rioch to deny Derby the two points. Coincidentally Derby’s next fixture was also at home to Leeds in the FA Cup fifth round – this time they lost 0-1. Below is a photo from the game, Gordon McQueen outjumping Roger Davies with Franny Lee in close attendance.

Derby were next in league action on February 22 against Arsenal – three days after losing their FA Cup tie. Arsenal started the day near the bottom of Division One but Derby made heavy weather of this. Steve Powell gave Derby a second minute lead before Alan Ball was sent off for Arsenal after 15 minutes for dissent after being initially booked for fouling Kevin Hector. Despite having 10 men, Arsenal equalised through John Radford before Steve Powell scored his second in a breathless first half. Despite Arsenal being reduced to 9 men on 60 minutes (Bob McNab – dissent also), Derby had to settle for a nervy 2-1 win. Here’s Franny Lee being thwarted by Jimmy Rimmer in the Arsenal goal.

Derby’s last fixture of the month on Tuesday 25 February was a daunting away trip to fellow title contenders Ipswich, who boasted a home record of 11 wins and two draws from their 14 fixtures at Portman Road to date. Sadly Derby were no match for a clinical Ipswich team who ran out 3-0 winners.

Derby finished the month back down in 8^th place but only four points behind leaders Everton still. Coming into the last 12 games, could the Rams find the consistency to mount a sustained title challenge?