Wayne Rooney’s spot-kick helped Derby County to beat Reading and keep their play-off hopes alive in a 2-1 victory. The win sees them move up to 8th place in the EFL Championship and within touching distance of the play-offs.
Tom Lawrence put the Rams ahead on 44 minutes with a curled effort before Rooney dispatched from the spotted before the half-time whistle.
Reading provided a much sterner test after the break and Andy Rinomhota’s headed goal made for a nervy ending.
Lawrence and Reading’s Matt Miazga were shown red cards for a bust-up after the final whistle.
Derby County Beat Reading to Keep Play-Off Dream Alive
Derby Come Alive Before Half-time
It was a cagey affair for most of the first half with chances wasted on both sides.
The Royals went close just after the half-hour mark through Ovie Ejaria; the talented 22-year-old posed a threat throughout and was denied by the post after a shot from a narrow-angle.
However, it was Phillip Cocu’s side that broke the deadlock just before the break following a well-worked move.
Andre Wisdom made a marauding run into midfield before finding Chris Martin; the target man played in Louie Sibley who teed up Lawrence to curl a shot into the far corner.
It was a slick move from the Rams and just the type of goal that Cocu wants from his side.
Moments later and Derby’s lead was doubled after Martyn Waghorn was tripped in the box. Wayne Rooney stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick for his 5th Derby goal.
Reading Come Alive After the Break
Mark Bowen’s side came out for the second-half looking to get back into the game and displayed a much-improved performance.
The Royals’ high intensity saw them get on the scoresheet just after the hour-mark following a goalkeeping blunder.
Derby keeper Ben Hamer unnecessarily punched clear a corner when he had ample time to collect; Andy Rinomhota latched onto the clearance and headed, first-time, into the Derby net.
Reading continued to press Derby, who brought on defensive reinforcements in the shape of Curtis Davies to prevent a comeback.
Yet, for all of the away side’s efforts, they couldn’t find that elusive second goal and their hosts held on for an important win.
Derby’s win may have been secured when the final whistle went, but Tom Lawrence and Matt Miazga’s feud, that was brewing throughout the match, was not over.
The pair proceeded to exchange words after the full-time whistle before lashing out at each other.
Swings and a headbutt were traded until teammates intervened and referee Scott Duncan showed both of them straight red cards.
Tough Run-In Ahead for Derby County
Derby are just three points outside the play-offs but still need to face six of the top seven sides.
Tom Lawrence’s three-match suspension makes it an even greater challenge.
However, if Derby can take points off the teams around them then there is no reason why they can’t make a late push for the top six.
Rams boss Phillip Cocu was pleased with how his side dealt played and said: “We knew that [from] the restart, the first two games would be crucial to be in a position to try and get into a play-off position.
“If we didn’t get results then I don’t think it’d be possible with so many teams fighting for two positions.
“We [have] come a long way to put ourselves in this position so we have to continue the way we play, the confidence is good in the team so we’re looking forward to the test next week.”
On the full-time altercations, Reading boss Mark Bowen added: “I’ve been told Matt [Miazga] was headbutted and he swung for the fella.
“He shouldn’t do it and I won’t forgive him for doing it but he was reacting to something in his face.”
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