Clement Praises Derby's Patience Following Win At Reading

Paul Clement says being patient was key to Derby County’s 1-0 victory at Reading on Tuesday evening.

Paul Clement says being patient was key to Derby County’s 1-0 victory at Reading on Tuesday evening.

Tom Ince’s first goal of the season, which came in the 69th minute, secured all three points for the Rams at the Madejski Stadium.

The hosts had attacker Orlando Sa sent off towards the end of the first half following an off the ball incident, which handed Derby a numerical advantage ahead of the second period.

The Rams remained patient, which Derby’s Head Coach instructed them to do, before Ince latched onto Chris Martin’s smart pass to fire home.

The goal handed Clement’s side back-to-back wins for the first time this season in the Sky Bet Championship, following their 2-1 success at Preston North End on Saturday.

Clement told Rams Player HD after the match: “The sending off just before half time was a real turning point in the game and that gave us an advantage.

“It’s not always easy to break down ten men because they were very defence-minded after that and they had everyone behind the ball, were switched on and far more concentrated.

“We needed to be patient and we changed things tactically. We moved Jacob Butterfield a little bit further forward and brought Darren Bent on as well.

“Also, we had to make sure that the balance was right at the back and not give Reading opportunities to counter. We tried to limit their set play opportunities as well. They had a chance towards the end from one of those set plays, but fortunately it was headed over the bar.

“Generally, our defending at set plays was very good. We were organised, we were strong and overall we were deserved victors on the night just because of the way we managed the game.

“We had to wait for our opportunity and it was a very well taken goal.”

Clement revealed his delight at seeing Ince open his account for the season.

The former England Under 21 international was in impressive goalscoring form during his loan spell from Hull City last season, a move that became permanent in July.

Clement felt it was important to see another attacking player make their mark in a game - and also provide the team with momentum ahead of next Monday’s home game against Burnley.

“I am pleased for Tom because that is his first one of the season,” he said.

“He has been frustrated that he hadn’t got off the mark yet.

“It’s pleasing to see other players contributing with the goals too. We have had Johnny and Chris on the scoresheet recently and now we have got Tom on there as well. The more threats we have got in the side, the better for everybody.

“That goal was important not only for him but the team as well.

“We have got back-to-back wins away from home now and that gives us some momentum moving forward.”

He added: “It’s difficult to win any game in this league, but to come away from two consecutive away games with wins after the start we had is very important for us. All our focus is now on the game against Burnley.

“They were very recently a Premier League team and have clearly got ambitions to go straight back up. It’s going to be a hard fought game, but we will be going out to get another win.”