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.<\/p>\n
Tom Lawrence put the Rams ahead on 44 minutes with a curled effort before Rooney dispatched from the spotted before the half-time whistle.<\/p>\n
Reading provided a much sterner test after the break and Andy Rinomhota’s headed goal made for a nervy ending.<\/p>\n
Lawrence and Reading’s Matt Miazga were shown red cards for a bust-up after the final whistle.<\/p>\n
It was a cagey affair for most of the first half with chances wasted on both sides.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
However, it was Phillip Cocu’s side that broke the deadlock just before the break following a well-worked move.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
It was a slick move from the Rams and just the type of goal that Cocu wants from his side.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mark Bowen’s side came out for the second-half looking to get back into the game and displayed a much-improved performance.<\/p>\n
The Royals’ high intensity saw them get on the scoresheet just after the hour-mark following a goalkeeping blunder.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Reading continued to press Derby, who brought on defensive reinforcements in the shape of Curtis Davies to prevent a comeback.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The pair proceeded to exchange words after the full-time whistle before lashing out at each other.<\/p>\n