3/1 To Win
Goalkeeper Kelle Roos praised the character amongst his Derby County team-mates following the dramatic 4-3 aggregate win over Leeds United in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi Final.
Trailing 1-0 from the first leg at Pride Park Stadium, the Rams fell further behind courtesy of Stuart Dallas’ early strike.
Whilst heads could have dropped, Frank Lampard’s side fought. Goals from Jack Marriott and Mason Mount got the Rams level either side of half-time, whilst, before the hour mark, a penalty from Harry Wilson put Derby ahead in the tie.
Derby were then pegged back as Dallas netted his second of the game for Leeds to draw the scores level at 3-3, however, Marriott’s second goal, late into the game, secured his side a place at Wembley in the Play-Off Final.
The Rams have displayed that fight and spirit all through the season, coming back against Premier League sides such as Manchester United and Southampton in cup competitions, and Roos praised his team-mates for their desire to get back into the game.
“Once again, our character was tested; we faced a very good team here but we knew from the start that if we could hurt them then we would find momentum,” he told RamsTV.
“It was a clinical game. I didn’t like the two goals at all that we conceded. When we go 2-1 up I wanted to make a big save, but fair play to the boys, we stuck with it.
“Our character was tested but look what happened. We did it and it’s an amazing feeling.”
Roos already has experience of a Wembley final whilst on loan at AFC Wimbledon back in 2015/16.
“I played one game in a play-off final and won so hopefully I can keep that 100% record,” he said.
That experience could prove invaluable for the Rams heading into the game against Aston Villa at Wembley on Monday 27th May and he knows the supporters will back the players throughout the game.
“If you can see what a following we have every single game, it’s amazing,” he admitted. “That noise was going on for another hour because we are going to Wembley and we will need that again.”
