Defender Craig Forsyth was delighted to score his first goal in more than five years to secure a valuable three points for Derby County as they beat Reading 1-0 at Pride Park Stadium on Wednesday night.
The 32-year-old was the unlikely matchwinner on an important evening for the Rams as they moved into positive points following the 12-point deduction imposed after entering administration last week.
Forsyth, who is the club’s longest serving player, looped his header over Reading goalkeeper Luke Southwood to secure the win for Wayne Rooney’s side.
Speaking to RamsTV following the game, the defender could not wipe the smile off his face.
“It’s long overdue but I’m glad I got it and it mean something to get three points tonight,” he admitted.
“We worked on it yesterday, Nathan Byrne and Jason Knight getting crosses into the box and we knew there would be opportunities there.
“I had a couple just before the goal but that one was perfect the way it was floated up and I could get over the top of him and it managed to loop in.
“It seemed to take an age to get there but it went in in the end. The celebration is a bit rusty, though!”
The defender felt the Rams were full value for their victory against a Reading side who had won their last three fixtures in a row.
“I think we played well,” he said. “We kept the ball well and caused the problems in the first half.
“The second half was a little different and we had to dig in at times to see the result out which we managed to do.
“That’s been a few games where it has been 1-0 but we haven’t got that second goal to make it that little bit comfortable for ourselves but tonight we showed a different side to us.
“We defended well and got the clean sheet.”
The result marked back-to-back home victories for Wayne Rooney’s side as the Rams are yet to taste defeat on home turf this season.
It’s a stark contrast to last term where the Rams struggled at Pride Park, however, Forsyth believes the influence of the supporters makes a huge difference.
“I think last year our home record wasn’t great,” he explained. “This year we have started well and that shows what a difference the fans make here.
“It’s an intimidating place to come tonight when they are right behind you, but it works both ways and we have to give them something to get behind so since these last few weeks they have been right behind us and I think they can see we are giving everything on the pitch.”
