You cannot wipe the smile off the face of Mason Bennett.
Introduced on the 57th minute on Tuesday night against Wigan Athletic, replacing Jack Marriott, Bennett made an immediate impact in netting the equaliser in the 2-1 win just five minutes later. And it was some goal, too.
The winger met a left-wing cross from Scott Malone and his audacious attempt from 12 yards flew over the head of Latics goalkeeper Jamie Jones and nestled into the corner to draw the Rams level.
It was a goal worthy of winning any game, however, there was still a job to do.
With just over 10 minutes remaining, Malone turned match-winner guiding the ball into the corner from a Jayden Bogle cross. It provoked wild scenes amongst players and supporters.
The Rams saw the game out comfortably to record a valuable three points in their quest to finish in the top six, and end a run of three striaght league defeats, but the talk after the game was simply, how did he score that goal?
“I wanted Scotty Malone to whip to the near post, but when he gets the ball in any time during the game you know he is going to put a good ball into the box,” Bennett explained to RamsTV, talking about his acrobatic effort. “It was just instinct and improvisation.
“I thought, with the ball behind me, as long as I can got a good connection and hit it on target then anything can happen. Luckily it went in.
“It was a bit unorthodox because normally people would go with their right foot, but that was the one that was closest and it just felt more natural for me to use my left.
“I remember when I was growing up and I saw Wayne Rooney’s goal against Manchester City in the Manchester derby and it is those moments you have to savour.
“Hopefully it is the turning point in the season because we have had a tough couple of games. I just hope we can kick on now and keep striving for promotion.
“I thought the lads and the fans were great all night. We went down 1-0 in the first-half that didn’t help, but when I came on the gaffer said to use my pace and power and express myself.
“That’s what I did. It was a great goal and I have had so many messages off my family and friends it was just brilliant.”
Signed at the age of 12, Academy graduate Bennett has been part of the club’s rise.
He’s seen a lot during his years but cited Tuesday night’s game as one of the best this season.
“I think I would go as far as saying on the night it was the best home attendance and atmosphere we have had this season and it was great to play in,” he said.
“We need that from the fans to give us that extra push whenever we are at Pride Park and we play at home in front of that it gives us that extra 10-20 per cent to kick on more.
“Especially when my goal went in, the response from the fans were amazing then the last 20 minutes they were screaming and chanting for us. When Scotty scored it was just one of those moments you dream about.
“It just shows his resilience and mental capacity to get past that mistake he made. He got the assist for my goal and he scored so in my eyes he is a match winner.”
Following the three points on Tuesday night, the Rams have now picked up the most points in the Sky Bet Championship from losing positions.
“It shows the great team spirit we have got,” Bennett commented.
“There is a great bunch of lads and great staff as well. It just breeds the confidence and the happy feeling around the place. Now we are in that position now we can kick on and get into the play-offs.”
