3/1 To Win
Two goals from Tom Lawrence and another from Mason Bennett secured a hugely impressive 3-0 victory for Derby County against Southampton at Pride Park Stadium.
Frank Lampard’s side controlled the first half without getting on the scoresheet, but Derby were rewarded after the break for an excellent display.
Lawrence grabbed a brace, whilst Bennett made it three goals in three pre-season games to seal the win.
Mason Mount, Harry Wilson and Florian Jozefzoon all made their debuts, whilst Max Bird appeared for the first time this season.
There were plenty of openings for the Rams early in the contest, with Mount, Wilson and Lawrence in particular causing problems.
Mount ran free inside six minutes but the options for a pass were soon closed off, before Wilson fired over the bar from the edge of the penalty area.
Lawrence then displayed another of his trademark runs from the left-hand side but Alex McCarthy was equal to the eventual shot.
The trio had another chance each before the half was out, all kept away from goal by the Saints’ goalkeeper, with David Nugent going close in the 45th minute after excellent work from Max Lowe - who stood out down the left-flank.
Southampton created their first real chance inside the opening five minutes of the second half, with the towering centre-back Jannik Vestergaard rising highest to meet James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick, but Scott Carson stood firm.
Once the Rams settled into their rhythm though, they continued to dominate the game and they got their rewards as the game approached the hour-mark.
Joe Ledley played a first-time ball through and when Vestergaard missed his interception, Lawrence ran through and calmly slotted beyond McCarthy.
The Welshman doubled his tally soon after as he ended another direct run with a fine strike from range, which was not too dissimilar to his goal against Bolton Wanderers last season.
Bennett then continued his fine run of form in pre-season by tapping home the rebound after an effort from fellow substitute and debutant Florian Jozefzoon, and the scoreline was no less than Derby deserved for a superb display.
Derby County: Carson (Roos, 72’); Wisdom (Bogle, 72’), Keogh (Hanson, 77’), Davies (Pearce, 72’), Lowe (Bird, 69’); Mount (Butterfield, 77’), Ledley (Huddlestone, 63’), Bryson (Johnson, 72’); Wilson (Jozefzoon, 63’), Nugent (Bennett, 72’), Lawrence (Thomas, 72’).
Unused Substitutes: Thorne.
Southampton: McCarthy; Stephens (Clasie, 80’), Hoedt, Bertrand (McQueen (80’); Ward-Prowse (Hojbjerg, 63’), Lemina (Gallagher, 80’), Armstrong (Romeu, 63’), Targett (Vestergaard, HT); Elyounoussi (Davis, HT), Austin (Gabbiadini, 63’), Redmond (Reed, 63’).
Unused Substitutes: Gunn, Sims.
Next Up…
The Rams are back in action on the road against Coventry City at Nuneaton Town’s Liberty Way ground on Wednesday, kick-off: 7:45pm, before returning to Pride Park to face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).
