Now Law’s with Derby
PHILLIP COCU admitted it was vital Derby beat Middlesbrough after another difficult, not to say, divisive week.
Captain Richard Keogh’s controversial sacking for “gross misconduct’’ rocked Pride Park.
The long-serving defender was a passenger in the car crash which saw team-mates Tom Lawrence and Mason Bennett both convicted of drink-driving.
Lawrence was gutted by his part in the night of shame.
But he scored twice against 10-man Boro and the fans rallied round their team and chairman Mel Morris.
Boss Cocu said: “We needed to win. The players were focused after a difficult week. We needed the win as this was not just a normal game.
“It has an impact on everybody, we know that and we have to play, focus and be professional.
“They showed they are and did an excellent job.
“I am proud of their performances. The dynamic and spirit of the team was pleasing. It’s very important we stay united.
“And the fans showed their support for the team and the chairman.’’
Boro saw midfielder George Saville sent off just after the half-hour for a lunge on Krystian Bielik.
Derby fans goaded Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate with chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning’’ after his side’s goal famine extended to over six hours.
But Woodgate bemoaned Britt Assombalonga’s early miss and Saville’s dismissal, insisting: “It’s unbelievable, really.
He said: “It was a huge chance and you have to take it. It’s a cliche, but it’s fine margins. We don’t score and then get a man sent off – and then it’s really difficult.
“The game is finished when Sav gets sent off, but we have to start putting the ball in.’’ Assombalonga had the opportunity to capitalise on Derby’s nerves when he was gifted possession in the second minute, only to be denied by Matt Clarke’s magnificent block.
The home support were celebrating when
Lawrence played a one-two with Chris Martin to fire Derby in front.
And Lawrence delivered the killer blow when he cut through the visiting defence on the left to lift his finish over Aynsley Pears near the end.
DERBY MIDDLESBROUGH 10....... Shots on Target ..........1 6 ........ Shots off Target .........4 7 ................Corners ................. 2 10................. Fouls .................. 13 2 ............... Offsides ................. 3 85.5 . Passing Success % .. 73.9 545 ...... Total Passes ........ 345 60.3 .... Possession % ..... 39.7 52.2..Territorial Adv % .. 47.8