3/1 To Win
Tom Lawrence believes Derby County were “absolutely fantastic” in their 2-0 victory over Bristol City and felt their desire to win earned them all three points in the crucial clash.
The Welshman struck first for the Rams inside the opening 20 minutes before Jayden Bogle sealed the points over their play-off chasing rivals in the second half at Ashton Gate.
Mason Mount’s excellent work down the right of the area to beat Nathan Baker allowed hi to provide for Lawrence to rifle his low effort, via a deflection, past Niki Maenpaa to open the scoring.
The winger was full of praise for team-mates, including George Evans who slotted in as centre-back in the 12th minute after Fikayo Tomori left the game injured as well as Jayden Bogle who scored his second senior goal.
Speaking on his goal, Lawrence told RamsTV: “Mason Mount did great down the right, he cut it back and I just managed to get good contact on it. It took a little nick and went in.”
He added: “With George Evans coming on, he was absolutely fantastic today. Everyone was fantastic and we had to dig deep, but we stuck in their and got our rewards in the end.
“What a season Jayden Bogle has had too and it was a great second goal. He keeps going from strength to strength and he is a great young lad as well. Hopefully that continues for him.”
Derby knew they were in for a tough test against the Robins who entered the game just a point behind the Rams and vying for their sixth-place.
But the victory extended the gap with two games remaining with Frank Lampard’s side occupying the final play-off place with a game in hand over their closest rivals, Middlesbrough.
Lawrence is urging the Rams to keep building the momentum in a bid to secure their place on Wednesday evening against Swansea City.
“We had to dig in today, it was a really tough game all around and I think we showed our desire to win and how much it means to us,” Lawrence said.
“We have to keep fighting now and keep going for Wednesday.
“We know we have got that game in hand, but we know it means nothing unless we win that game. We can secure play-offs on Wednesday if we win, so that’s what we are aiming for.
“It’s never going to be easy going away to Swansea. We know the qualities they have got so we have got to put in a performance like we have today and hopefully we get the win.”
