Bent saves Derby by joining the 200 club

DARREN BENT’S timing was impeccable as he finally scored the 200th goal of his career and ensured Derby negotiated a tricky tie against League Two strugglers.

With his first-team chances restricted by the form of Chris Martin this season, Bent had been stuck on 199 goals since September and was frustrated again yesterday by two fine saves from his former Sunderland teammate Trevor Carson.

However, in the 86th minute, a mistake by Michael Woods allowed Abdoul Camara to cross and Bent provided a decisive finish.

‘It is a great milestone for him,’ said Derby manager Paul Clement.

Hartlepool took the lead through Jake Gray, on loan from Crystal Palace, as he angled his body well to volley past Jonathan Mitchell after 61 minutes.

Derby reacted by sending on substitute Jacob Butterfield in the 66th minute and only 57 seconds had elapsed when he drove a 25-yard shot past Carson and set the stage for Bent’s golden goal.

Clement said: ‘Jacob came on and it worked with a quick goal. Last week at Middlesbrough we made a change at 0-0 and lost 2-0, so this is much more pleasing.’

Impressive debuts from new signings Camara and Nick Blackman were further plus-points for Clement, whose team selection showed he has made promotion to the Premier League a priority above the FA Cup.

He added: ‘It was great to be part of a game like that and come to a lower league team who were really up for it.

‘It was a real cup tie and we had to work hard for our victory.’

Hartlepool boss Ronnie Moore said: ‘I thought we deserved another crack at them. If we take that display and quality into the league in the next few weeks, we will have no worries over relegation.’