Rowett hails Derby bravery as winning run stretches

GARY RoWett could be described as a no-nonsense manager and he appears to be building a team in his image.

Four straight wins have put Derby back into the Championship contenders’ zone. Rowett’s players are becoming adept at rolling with the punches then getting in a blow of their own.

that was never more evident than last night. Leeds, in control and ahead thanks to Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s early strike, did not make the most of their opportunities.

Derby did. More precisely, Sam Winnall did. His two goals, the second from the penalty spot, vindicated Rowett’s decision to start with two strikers.

‘We have shown character all season,’ Rowett said. ‘We were brave because we played two strikers away.

‘i’m delighted for Sam. if someone has got a pack of nurofen — he’s given me a headache.’

Leeds manager thomas Christiansen looked shellshocked afterwards, this defeat following the one by Sheffield United on Friday.

‘in the mood i am in right now, it is better not to speak. Another defeat, we cannot live with that and i take responsibility.’

two goals in seven minutes did the damage. First, Winnall connected with Craig Forsyth’s pass to fire home, then he scored from the spot.

‘Sam was racing to get the ball under his arm,’ Rowett added. ‘there was no way anyone else was going to take that penalty. He deserved it.’