The Rams continued their improvement under Steve McClaren against Sheffield Wednesday.
There were doubts about Steve McClaren returning to Derby, and although it is still early days the former England manager has made a strong start to his second spell at the iPro Stadium.
His side earned a fine 2-0 win over promotion hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday courtesy of goals from unlikely sources, with defenders Cyrus Christie and Alex Pearce finding the net.
The Rams had to survive substantial early pressure with the game goalless, including a huge penalty appeal when Richard Keogh blocked Adam Reach’s goal-bound effort on the line.
Wednesday were adamant that Keogh had blocked the effort with his arm – which would have resulted in a penalty and a red card – but the referee disagreed and Derby took control thereafter.
Christie gave the hosts the lead on 17 minutes before Pearce made the points safe in the second period.
With Derby now looking a more solid outfit – they have kept three clean sheets in four games under McClaren – fans took to social media to praise their team.
There was also praise for goal-scorer Pearce, who has waited patiently for a chance to make an impact for Derby and is now reaping the rewards.
Derby travel to the West Midlands next weekend to take on Wolves, who themselves could be under new management by the time the two sides kick off.
The change in the dugout seems to have worked for the Rams, who climbed to 19th after yesterday’s win and will be setting their sights much higher as the season goes on.
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