KILLER INSTINCT
But top two is no hassle says Wassall despite loss
want to close the gap with the top teams.”
Derby’s more dominant start earned them a greater share of the early possession and territorial advantage but the under-pressure Molineux club took a surprise lead in the 14th minute against the run of play.
Nathan Byrne found space down the right, cut inside and fed Saville, who bent his shot past Scott Carson from 18 yards.
Wolves were happy to sit on their lead and launch counter-attacks which never threatened Carson’s goal, and Derby drew level two min- utes before the interval after Saville conceded a needless foul on the edge of the penalty area for a high challenge on Bradley Johnson. Chris Martin found the corner of the net by lifting the resulting free-kick up and over the wall for the equaliser.
The second half belonged almost exclusively to the Rams but they struggled to translate their advantage into goals.
Substitute Tom Ince squandered a glorious chance for the visitors after replacing George Thorne but from a clear opening he shot wide of the far post with only Carl Ikeme to beat.
Wolves were still reluctant to over-commit themselves going forward until they sent on striker Joe Mason to partner Bjorn Sigurdarson up front. The presence of another attacker inspired the home side and Sigurdarson found some extra space to rifle a shot against the outside of the post.
Suddenly the momentum was with Wolves and full-back Matt Doherty’s cross from the left was headed in off the underside of the bar in the 86th minute to give Jackett’s side a much-needed victory, which for long spells looked extremely unlikely.