David Nugent fired Derby County to victory in the final test before the new season and believes if the squad continues to “play for each other” then the 2018/19 campaign will be a success.
The Rams’ striker certainly hasn’t shied away from hard-work this pre-season and that was there for all to see on Saturday in Derby’s 2-1 victory over Premier League new boys, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Nugent relentlessly chased down balls, had two great chances glance past the post and another saved before he was gifted a tap-in goal for his hard-work. He also played a role in the second goal, steering the ball into the box to Mason Mount for his brilliant finish.
The Rams progressed through the pre-season with four wins out of five matches, two against Premier League opposition, and have showed they are not afraid to put up a fight from the opening whistle.
Nugent believes Frank Lampard’s methods have provided the tools for success while the players’ will to work for each other will add the extras. The challenge now will be to carry that through to the Sky Bet Championship campaign.
“It was a good day’s work for, not just me, but all the lads as well,” Nugent told RamsTV following the final pre-season match.
“Straight from the start we were at it, like the Southampton game. The work-ethic, the work-rate from the team, the passing and movement off the ball was all there again.
“We showed that we are trying to play football in the right way and we are trying to get goals.
“We are working hard for each other, covering for each other on the pitch and I think if we can keep it up for the season there’s no reason why we can’t go better than last season.”
Nugent grabbed his goal to put the Rams up just before the half. His tireless work-ethic that came before was rewarded by the ball landing to him for an easy tap in after both Richard Keogh and Joe Ledley’s attempts from the corner were denied.
For the second Derby goal, Nugent was at the end of a great cross by Florian Jozefzoon through congestion and saw an opportunity for Mount to get his first goal in a Derby shirt, and it was a fine one.
The 33-year-old explained the goals: “Off the corner, Keogh got his head to it, the keeper saved it then Joe managed to get a nick on it on the back post. I was there to tap it in.
“As a striker, those are the goals you want, they are the ones that add up.
“For the second goal, it was a good cross by Flo. He dings it, I read it and cut it back for Mason to have a great touch and a finish. All in all, a good day’s work.”
Derby will now look to seamlessly transition into the season, carrying forward their winning ways and the positivity from the past month’s showings.
The manager will be in a difficult but favourable situation to map out the starting XI on the opening night at Reading with competition strong throughout the positions.
That battle for the starting shirt will be no different for Nugent with the rise of Mason Bennett during the pre-season, who scored in each of the first three pre-season clashes, and the arrival of Jack Marriott from Peterborough last season.
“I feel fit, 33 and still going strong,” said Nugent.
“I’ve started off well and hopefully come Friday we can continue to play how we are.
“Mason came in for me today so he’s getting his chances, you’ve got Jack to come in as well. If I get the jersey on Friday then it is up to me to keep it for the season.”