Kane Wilson completed a smart move with an eighth-minute opener as Derby County ended a four-hour wait for a goal by taking the lead at home to Portsmouth in the Championship on Friday – and promptly added two more without reply. .
Right-back Wilson raced into the box to meet Nathaniel Mendez-Laing’s low performance to score his second goal of the season for the out-of-form Rams.
Derby County drew first blood against Portsmouth through Kane Wilson! 💥 pic.twitter.com/NGHpLO9Ala
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 13, 2024
“It’s been a great start from Derby, he really has – and what a goal,” former Wales midfielder Dave Edwards told Sky Sports.
“It’s all about (Eiran) Cashin passing early in the build-up to Ebou Adams. (Jerry) Yates passes it to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and he is so dangerous running at defenders.
“Wilson gets to great and keeps the goal down through bodies. It’s a great start to the Derby and a well-deserved lead.”
Cashin “Rolls-Royce”
Powerful centre-back Cashin doubled the lead 15 minutes later, heading in Kenzo Goudmijn’s corner to ensure County scored more than once for the first time in seven games.
“He was involved in the first goal and that header was brilliant,” Edwards said. “He zips down the ground and is a great, great header.
Derby’s lead doubles thanks to Eiran Cashin’s BULLET header! 🎯
Another set goal for the Rams ⚪ pic.twitter.com/HekVCgOJhw
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 13, 2024
“He’s a Rolls-Royce at the back and he shows his attacking prowess, there. From a jump to a standing position, to build that power – it’s really a top header.”
Derby County vs Portsmouth
Ebu Adams made it 3-0 after 29 minutes, heading in Craig Forsyth’s cross from close range through a save by Tom McIntyre.
Derby went into the match on a six-game winless run as part of an 11-game winning streak, although a 0-0 draw at Burnley on Tuesday ended a run of three straight defeats.
Ebou Adams adds Derby’s third inside half an hour and the Rams are in full flow! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/HbMlaxDt8E
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 13, 2024
Paul Warne’s side had fallen four points clear of the relegation zone and were under pressure against opponents on a four-game unbeaten run.
Pompey had won two of those games with convincing wins over Preston North End and Bristol City, but they started the night above the relegation zone on goal difference alone, with their solitary away win of the campaign coming at fellow QPR on 19 October.
