3/1 To Win
Joe Ledley felt Derby County’s patience prevailed as they held their nerve to claim a 2-0 win from a nervy Sky Bet Championship clash with Sheffield Wednesday.
The Rams looked well on course to claim three points when Matej Vydra scored his sixth League goal of the season with an early spot kick and Glenn Loovens had been shown a straight red card for bringing down the Czech Republic international – all before the fourth minute.
After the post had denied Tom Lawrence and Kieren Westwood had blocked Richard Keogh’s effort, Wednesday fought back and made a fist of the meeting with Barry Bannan, the one-time Derby loanee, going close on several occasions for the Owls.
Substitute Bradley Johnson’s goal with four minutes remaining, however, meant Gary Rowett’s side were able to breathe a sigh of relief as they claimed a second successive home win and extended their unbeaten run to five matches.
“Credit to the Sheffield Wednesday, they defended really well and were just as good on the counter attack,” Ledley told RamsTV after the game.
“They were handful up top – I know Gary Hooper from days at Celtic and he’s a great footballer. It was difficult at times, but we knew we had to be patient.
“They were hard to break down and we just had to keep the ball moving. Yes, we know as players we are capable of better, but at the end of the day it is three points and another clean sheet.
“Sheffield Wednesday are a good side with good players and I think if anyone had offered us this result before the game we definitely would have snapped their hands off – especially with the three points and the clean sheet.
“We have got that and now we need to kick on continue our good form.”
Back-to-back away matches await the Rams now as they prepare to hit the road for intriguing matches against Norwich City and Leeds United.
Derby will go on their travels with the aim of collecting their first three points on the road since beating Bolton Wanderers 2-1 in August and building on the solid foundations that have been laid over the last five games.
Ledley added: “We have to be confident going into every game and go out with the aim of performing to the best of our ability.
“I’m sure we can continue that against Norwich City first off. It’s going to be another difficult game, but it’s one that we are capable of winning with the players that we have got.”
