Kane Wilson completed a smooth shooting move in the eighth-minute opener as Derby County ended a more than four-hour wait for a goal by taking the lead at home to Portsmouth in the Championship on Friday – and quickly added two more unanswered goals.
Right-back Wilson arrived in the box to meet Nathaniel Mendes-Ling's low pass and score his second goal of the season for the out-of-form Rams.
Derby County draws for the first time against Portsmouth through Kane Wilson! 💥 pic.twitter.com/NGHpLO9Ala
– Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) December 13, 2024
Former Wales midfielder Dave Edwards told Sky Sports: “It was a great start for Derby and it really happened and what a goal it was.”
“It's all about (Eran) Cashin with the early pass at the start of the attack to Ebo Adams. (Gerry) Yeates passes the ball to Nathaniel Mendes Laing, who is very dangerous running at defenders.
“Wilson reaches perfectly and keeps his finish through the bodies. It's an excellent start for Derby and a well-deserved lead.”
Cassin “Rolls Royce”
Powerful centre-back Cashin doubled the lead 15 minutes later, heading in Kenzo Goodmin's corner to ensure County scored more than once for the first time in seven games.
“He had a role in the first goal and the header was fantastic,” Edwards said. “It hit the ground and it was a fantastic, fantastic header.
Derby's advantage doubled thanks to a bullet header from Iran Kashin! 🎯
Another goal from a free kick for 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 the standing jump, to generating that power, it's a really high header.
Derby County vs Portsmouth
Ebo Adams made it 3-0 after 29 minutes, converting Craig Forsyth's cross from close range by deflecting off Tom McIntyre.
Derby entered the competition on a six-game winless run as part of a run of one win in 11 games, although their 0-0 draw with Burnley on Tuesday ended a run of three successive defeats.
Ebo Adams adds Derby's third goal within 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 fell to within four points of the relegation zone and were under pressure against opponents on a four-game unbeaten run.
Pompey registered two wins in those games with convincing wins over Preston North End and Bristol City, but they started the night above the relegation zone on goal difference, with their only away win of the season coming against fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers on 19 October.
