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

The month started with Derby in 7^th place, five points behind league leaders Liverpool. First up for the Rams in November was a trip to Elland Road to face old foes Leeds Utd, less than two months after the end of Brian Clough’s infamous 44 day spell there. Derby’s record at Elland Road since promotion in 1969 had been poor but a second half Franny Lee winner saw them record a vital away win. Here’s a photo of the Rams holding firm that day against the reigning champions.

The following Saturday, and three days after a famous 2-2 draw in the Vicente Calderon to knock Atletico Madrid out of the UEFA Cup, Derby faced QPR at the Baseball Ground. Derby were to cap off a fantastic week with a resounding 5-2 win, goals courtesy of a Kevin Hector hat-trick, Franny Lee and Bruce Rioch (picture of his goal below) and climbed into fifth place now just two points off the top.

Derby were next in action on Saturday 16^th with an away trip to Highbury to face an Arsenal side struggling in the league only three years after their Double winning season. Sadly, Derby were to go down 3-1 in North London with Bruce Rioch’s penalty only a consolation on the day – Alan Ball with a brace for the home side.

A chance for redemption came the following Saturday against league leaders Ipswich at the Baseball Ground. Goals from Bruce Rioch and Kevin Hector saw Derby win 2-0 and move onto the same points tally as Ipswich ahead of a two week break before their next League fixture on December 7^th.

Goals from the game can be viewed on YouTube in this clip.

The month finished with Derby in 7^th spot but only three points behind surprise leaders Stoke (with a game in hand) and in a cluster of teams all eyeing up a title challenge given the even nature of the season so far.