It was a game of milestones as Bristol City made it four matches undefeated with back-to-back away wins after a dominant display at Derby.
With both sides playing for pride, it had all the makings of an entertaining contest and it certainly delivered in that respect with two goals in either half.
Andi Weimann hit his 20th of the season (more on that below) to pull off the first milestone of the day. Antoine Semenyo then doubled the lead with a brilliant finish seven minutes before half-time.
Derby came out fighting in the second half, which they have shown throughout a grim season, and pulled one back when Craig Forsyth set up an intriguing final 30 minutes of action.
After Duncan Idehen came on for his debut, a second milestone, Timm Klose clocked up the hat-trick when he nodded home Matty James' cross to ensure the points will be going back to Bristol.
Here's the match verdict on a productive and impressive display on a sunny afternoon in Derby.
Andi Weimann can get even better
No other place to start than the superb Austrian who has hit unprecedented figures for the first time in his career.
He must have been doubting whether his moment would arrive having gone three games in search of the elusive figure before Chris Martin's deft flick put him through on goal in the 10th minute and he was never going to miss.
As Pearson said in his post-match press conference the figure really is incredible considering the injury troubles he endured throughout last season. It was only last summer that Weimann's future was in doubt with his contract expiring and Stoke showing an interest.
However, City offered him a three-year deal - more than Stoke would be willing to put on the table - and he ultimately became the Robins' signing of the season.
He's repaid the faith and more, not just for his goal record but his work ethic off the ball and the influence he is having on the likes of the younger players coming through the ranks in Tommy Conway and Sam Bell.
Weimann has covered every blade of grass this season playing up front, as a No10, a right wing-back and even yesterday ended the game in a left-midfield role.
He admitted after the game that playing behind the two strikers remains his favoured position and the way to get the best out of his ability, telling Bristol Live: "I’m really enjoying where I’m playing in behind the two strikers. It gets the best out of me and the goal shows that I can break from deep and get in. Hopefully, I can continue playing in that position."
With those returns, it would be completely barmy of the manager not to. His previous season-best stands at 10 so whether he is enjoying a freak season remains to be seen but who knows where City would be without him this season - although Pearson would argue he could.
Pearson was particular in highlighting his professionalism after the match and even declared he has the ability to get even better.
He said: "It depends on attitude, Andi's very open to new ideas and I think he has plenty of possibilities to get even better. He's got better this year with his finishing. He's a really good pro."
Beating the points tally
Another milestone to tick off the list and this one feels relatively important in the grand scheme of things when it comes to Bristol City's progress.
Following the Peterborough draw, there was every chance City's season would end in a damp squib with little to play for and a relatively tricky remaining string of matches.
Two wins away from home and a draw with Sheffield United on home soil has taken City's points tally to 52 - one more than last season.
Considering the difficulties and challenges that City have faced throughout the campaign and the pressure the manager has been under on the back of this three-year plan, this will certainly feel like a welcome relief even if the manager is reluctant to admit it.
When asked about whether the improvement in points tally is evidence that progress has been made this season, Pearson was keen to highlight how supporters should look at the bigger picture.
"We've made progress," he said. "We're thankful that we've beaten last season's points total and we've got two games left to try and build on some good performances of late.
"It's such a hard division to be consistent in, especially with a young side. It is about results but there is a bigger picture for us and that is that we are starting to produce some really good players."
He makes an extremely valid point, although whether the likes of Sam Bell will get their opportunities in their favoured striker position does remain to be seen for now. However, it's needs-must considering the lack of wing-backs and his situation will become a lot clearer following a summer transfer window.
The victory also meant City won by two clear goals for the first time this season, a quite remarkable stat that has almost gone under the radar.
With that in the bag, there is also one monkey to shrug off the backs and that is to beat Hull next Saturday in the hope of picking up back-to-back victories for the first time this campaign and what a chance to do so.
Where is Pring?
You can't help but feel the future is ominous for Cam Pring following the latest omission from the matchday squad.
On Monday, with Pring and Zak Vyner absent from the draw over Sheffield United manager Pearson said it was an opportunity for youngster Duncan Idehen to gain some senior experience with the matchday squad.
While one game was enough to turn a blind eye to the situation, a second in succession in the absence of Jay Dasilva does raise some serious questions.
Pring remains the only out-and-out replacement for Dasilva who failed a late fitness test in the build-up to the match with Pearson opting to start attacking midfielder Ayman Benarous in his position.
Benarous, who filled Dasilva's boots for the second half against the Blades, put up a decent showing in an unfamiliar position and Pearson obviously felt he did enough to warrant a starting role at wing-back once again. It's no great surprise considering the manager's track record which includes playing Sam Bell on the right against Middlesbrough and Coventry - and being called upon to play in the same role yesterday.
With no recognised wing-back on the bench, only Idehen the defensive option, Pring's involvement was perhaps expected but Pearson instead chose three forwards to make up the matchday squad in Nahki Wells, Tommy Conway and Bell.
It was easy to say in hindsight that Pearson may have regretted not putting Pring on the bench against the Blades when Dasilva came off, but it was an almost identical scenario this time around - this time Scott having to come off with a broken nose.
Bell came on and did well enough in the first half, however certainly struggled in the second period when Derby put on some pressure. Robbie Cundy handed the difficult task of covering for him on occasions.
The youngster did give the ball away dangerously a couple of times when City were under the cosh and Pearson would eventually sub off the substitute when Bell was replaced by Massengo as City moved to a 4-4-2.
Scott's broken nose will lead to doubts over his availability next weekend and a recall for Pring might be in order. However, his two recent no-shows have rightly raised questions over his future involvement.
Duncan Idehen here's to stay
A superb moment for the young defender to make his Bristol City debut - and fully deserved after his cameos for the U23's this season.
Idehen arrived at City with a point to prove having failed to earn a deal at Birmingham following a brief trial period and apparently released from his contract by mutual consent at Grimsby.
It was by far the biggest moment of his career so far when he was introduced with 18 minutes left to play and it was a nervy start, as Pearson said, when he passed the ball out for a Derby throw-in when trying to find Weimann on the touchline.
But he soon settled and looked assured enough against a really tough opponent in Malcolm Ebiowei - probably Derby's brightest spark.
At one point towards the end of the contest, Ebiowei looked to have got the better of him inside the area but Idehen made a brilliant recovery tackle to nip the ball off his feet and prevent the attack.
What was brilliant about Idehen at the full-time whistle, he admitted to the Bristol City media team that it was the first interview he has done in his career - you can rest assured he'll have plenty more ahead of him in the future.
He already endeared himself to supporters in his post-match interview when he said: "I know the Bristol City fans, they work their arse off." Before quickly realising correcting himself by saying "socks" with a big grin on his face.
It was also the first time he has played inside a full stadium with a proper crowd - he featured for League Two Grimsby eight times but it was behind closed doors with Covid causing havoc.
He comes across as a player determined to grab his opportunity with two hands and it seems as though he'll be rewarded with a new deal in the coming months.
When Pearson was quizzed whether he'll stay on with his contract approaching the end, the manager responded "he'll be staying" before going on to praise his physicality and ability to pick out a pass.
With the manager keen to change his defence in the summer, there is certainly an opening for Idehen if he continues to keep his head down and impress.
The pre-season will almost be a fresh slate for Idehen to train with the senior squad and he'll undoubtedly get his chances during the friendlies before the start of the season. There's an opportunity that will arise and now it's down to Idehen to take it.
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