Rams enjoy the joy of six

FRANK LAMPARD says his side’s third victory of the season gave everyone a glimpse of what is to come under the former England midfielder.

Derby moved into the top six after goals from Mason Mount and captain Richard Keogh secured back-toback victories.

The home side took a while to get going but once Chelsea loanee Mount scored seven minutes before the break, there was no stopping a rampant Rams side.

Lampard said: “That’s six points in a week and they were very much needed. Of the five games so far this was at the top.

“We have put in a performance in front of our home crowd that we can be proud of.

“We were a bit off it at the start, but once we got our noses in front there was no stopping us.

“We were exciting up the top of the pitch and that is how I want us to play.

“We want to entertain the fans and that fullthrottle performance is something you can’t fail to enjoy.”

Derby were grateful to goalkeeper Scott Carson for keeping it 0-0 on 29 minutes when he got down low to his left to tip away Callum Robinson’s effort.

Preston were much the better side for the opening half an hour and were unlucky to find themselves behind to Derby’s first real attack.

A swift break saw David Nugent slide a delightful ball across for Mount, who showed great composure to cut inside the defender and fire home, although his scuffed shot should perhaps have been saved by Declan Rudd.

The goal seemed to spark the hosts into life and Mason Bennett came close to adding a second five minutes after the restart and Craig Bryson also went close before Keogh (inset) headed home Mason’s corner to put the game beyond doubt 12 minutes from time.

The result was hard for Preston boss Alex Neil to take. He said: “The first goal came when we were on top and it came from a promising attack. It really deflated us because at the moment we are struggling to score goals.

“We have a very young side and we need to learn quickly. If we are to reach the heights we reached last year we need to turn potential into quality.

“Football is relentless, you can’t feel sorry for yourselves. We have been in every game so far this season, we are just lacking a little bit of experience in both boxes.”