3/1 To Win
Defender Callum Elder says defensive solidity was key as Derby County saw out a 1-0 win against Cardiff City in the Sky Bet Championship at Pride Park Stadium.
Elder put in a Player of the Match performance as the Rams secured three points over the Bluebirds to make it three wins from three on home turf in the second tier this term.
Kenzo Goudmijn’s match-winning goal just before the half hour mark was teed up by a delivery from Elder after some neat play found the full-back in position to deliver the cross that saw Goudmijn finish off a perfect team goal.
Elder spoke to RamsTV after the game to discuss Goudmijn’s role in the team, his own part in a well worked team goal and the side’s impressive run of form on home turf after making in ten wins in a row at Pride Park in all competitions.
On an important three points at Pride Park Stadium…
Any win in the Championship is excellent. I thought, to a man, we showed all sides of our game. We dominated in the first half and could have scored more.
We took that into the second half and started strong. It was a slightly different game to Bristol City two weeks ago; we didn't get that second goal, so the game didn't open up. In the last 20 minutes of the game, we defended our box so well and we could have counted and scored that second goal.
It is a terrific win, and we've built a really strong performance level at home consistently now to start the season.
On the winning goal from Kenzo Goudmijn…
Jerry Yates links the play very well and it has been a big thing from the gaffer that he wants the midfielders to get into the box. Kayden Jackson checked his run, and he was smart enough to leave it for Kenzo, who came in. It was a great finish. I’m just delighted to have been involved in the goal.
On Kenzo Goudmijn’s effect on the team…
He's a terrific footballer; he takes the ball in any area and in tight areas. He has good feet. Above all that, he's a great lad. He's settled into the group really well and the lads have welcomed him with open arms, and he's felt that. I think you can see in his performances he feels settled in here, as a player and as a person. We're delighted to have him.
On putting together a good run of form…
It’s difficult to put your finger on one thing. Last season, the aim was to get promotion, which meant we needed to win every game, or at least try to, and we've taken that mentality into this season. The fans have got behind us and it's been a real collective effort, which I feel like everyone can see. It's such a good time to be playing football at Pride Park at the minute and the results have shown that.
