Tom Lawrence has had a tumultuous month; after facing sanctions from the club following a drink-drive incident which ultimately led to the sacking of club captain Richard Keogh, he has endured a period of reflection. But he has returned to performing well for Derby, and was the outstanding player of the round, scoring twice in defeating Middlesbrough. Both were well-taken finishes and 24 of his 51 passes went into the final third. He will be a key player if Derby are to make a play-off run.
Ralls hasn't exactly been prolific for Cardiff but his hat-trick helped to elevate a nervy home side past Birmingham. He confidently slotted home two penalties including one late in the game, while his other was a neat finish. With 10 crosses and five touches inside the area, his ability to support the strikers from midfield ultimately decided what was a tight game.
19-year-old Bogle is a player making real gains in the Championship, improving with every week that passes, and he was excellent again in the Middlesbrough win. As well as a nice assist for Lawrence, he forced the keeper in two saves from his two efforts on goal, which his healthy 90 touches suggests that Derby are regularly looking to attack on his wing. He will likely to be a Premier League player before long.
Preston are confounding pre-season expectations and appear to be genuine promotion contenders. A stalwart of the last few seasons has been Paul Gallagher and he is still one of their main men, as his display in the hard-fought win over Charlton proved. Gallagher actually came on as a sub for Daniel Johnson after half an hour, but his influence was huge. Not only did he slot home the winning penalty, his wondrous delivery almost laid on another for Jayden Stockley.
Forest's form has been patchy but Cash's tremendous defensive display helps his side hold out for a solid 2-1 win at Luton. Cash's performance was restricted to protecting his own goal, and he did this with distinction, winning 16 of his 22 duels, as well as 8/11 tackles, four interceptions, four recoveries and five clearances. There was no getting past him.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Aapo Halme (8.0) dragged his Barnsley back from two goals down to draw with Bristol City, scoring a bullet header in the process.
ROUND TO FORGET
The less said about Gavin Massey's (5.1) display for Wigan against Swansea, the better. Of his 23 touches, he lost possession 10 times.
Jayden Bogle 
