Derby County remain determined, and their pursuit of success is far from over.
**Derby County pulled off a stunning 2-1
victory over promotion-chasing West
Bromwich Albion in a dramatic
Championship clash, reigniting their
push for a strong finish to the season.**
In a night of high-octane football at Pride
Park, the Rams showcased resilience,
determination, and attacking flair to
overcome a formidable West Brom side
that had been in fine form. The victory
not only secured three crucial points but
also sent a powerful message that Derby
County are far from done this season.
First-Half Fireworks.
The game kicked off with West Brom
asserting early dominance, using their
aggressive pressing and quick passing to
pin Derby back. The visitors nearly took
the lead in the 12th minute when John
Swift unleashed a curling effort from just
outside the box, forcing Joe Wildsmith
into a spectacular diving save.
Despite the Baggies’ early control, Derby
found their rhythm and began to grow
into the game. Their patience paid off in
the 25th minute when Nathaniel
Mendez-Laing produced a moment of
magic. The winger collected a precise
pass from Max Bird, danced past two
defenders, and fired a low drive into the
bottom corner, sending Pride Park into a
frenzy.
West Brom responded almost
immediately, increasing the intensity of
their attacks. Their persistence paid off
in the 38th minute when Brandon
Thomas-Asante capitalized on a
defensive lapse, slotting home a
composed finish past Wildsmith to level
the score at 1-1.
With both teams playing aggressive,
attacking football, the first half ended
with an electric atmosphere, setting the
stage for a thrilling second period.
Derby’s Determination Pays Off.
The second half saw Derby County
emerge with renewed energy,
determined to take the game to their
high-flying opponents. Paul Warne’s men
pressed relentlessly, forcing West Brom
into mistakes and creating several
dangerous opportunities.
West Brom, however, remained a threat
on the counterattack, and in the 57th
minute, Jed Wallace came close to
putting them ahead with a thunderous
strike that rattled the crossbar. The
Rams, undeterred, continued to push
forward, spurred on by their passionate
home support.
The decisive moment arrived in the 78th
minute when James Collins found
himself in the right place at the right
time. A well-worked corner routine saw
Louie Sibley whip in a dangerous ball,
which was met by a powerful header
from Curtis Nelson. The initial effort was
parried by West Brom’s goalkeeper, but
Collins reacted quickest, smashing the
rebound into the back of the net to
restore Derby’s lead.
Pride Park erupted as the Rams held firm
in the final minutes, with disciplined
defending and clever game management
keeping West Brom at bay.
A Massive Victory for the Rams.
The final whistle confirmed a huge win
for Derby County, as they secured a vital
three points against one of the league’s
strongest sides. The result boosts their
confidence and keeps their momentum
alive as they push for a strong finish to
the season.
After the match, manager Paul Warne praised his team’s resilience:
“The lads showed incredible fight
tonight. West Brom are a top side, but we
matched them in every department. This
win is a testament to the hard work and
belief within this squad.”
Goalscorer James Collins also spoke about the team’s fighting spirit:
“We knew it was going to be a tough
game, but we stuck together and took
our chances. The fans were unbelievable
tonight, and we wanted to give them
something to celebrate.”
What’s Next?
With this morale-boosting victory, Derby
County will look to build on their
momentum as they prepare for their
upcoming fixtures. If they can maintain
this level of performance, a strong push
toward the playoffs is not out of the
question.
For West Brom, this defeat serves as a
setback in their promotion bid, but with
plenty of games left in the season, they
will have opportunities to bounce back.
