Derby County secured a crucial 2-1 win over Coventry City in their midweek Sky Bet Championship clash, marking their first away victory of the season.
Jerry Yates starred for the Rams, netting a brace that gave them the edge at the Coventry Building Society Arena on Wednesday night.
Key Highlights of the Game
Yates opened the scoring in the 10th minute after capitalizing on a defensive error triggered by Kayden Jackson’s high press. The forward rounded Coventry’s goalkeeper, Oliver Dovin, and calmly slotted the ball home to give Derby an early advantage. Yates doubled his tally in the 73rd minute with a left-footed shot that deflected off Coventry’s Bobby Thomas and looped into the far corner, sparking jubilant celebrations from the travelling Derby fans.
Sakamoto responded minutes later for the hosts, narrowing the deficit with a well-placed strike from the edge of the area that Derby’s keeper, Jacob Widell Zetterström, was unable to reach. Coventry pressed relentlessly in search of an equalizer, with substitute Victor Torp attempting a long-range effort in added time that forced Zetterström into action.
Throughout the match, Derby’s manager Paul Warne introduced fresh legs with attacking substitutions, including Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who nearly set up a third goal. Mendez-Laing’s cross found Liam Thompson, but the midfielder couldn’t stretch far enough to make meaningful contact. Coventry’s best chance of the first half came just before the break when Haji Wright blazed a loose ball over the bar following a corner.
Derby’s defence had to dig deep as Coventry ramped up the pressure in the final stages. Forsyth and Nelson cleared dangerous deliveries into the box, while Zetterström provided a reliable last line, denying Coventry’s attempts to pull level.
“The keeper helped us out, and we defended set-pieces really well,” Warne commented post-match. “Coventry are really innovative with their set-pieces, and we did a lot of work with the lads on that. When they scored in the 75th minute, sickly, I quite enjoyed the anarchy of it all. In the last five minutes, you can kick it in the car park for all I care. I am not bothered about that.”
Writer’s View
This win could be a turning point for Derby County. Warne’s squad demonstrated resilience, especially in the final minutes when Coventry upped the ante. With Yates in fine form and Derby’s defense showing grit under pressure, this could be the momentum they need to push up the Championship table.
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