Match-Winner Winnall 'Delighted' With Late Strike

Sam Winnall was ‘delighted’ with his late impact after he came off the bench to score the winner as Derby County earned their first success at Carrow Road since 2008 with a 2-1 win against Norwich City.

The on-loan Sheffield Wednesday striker made the decisive impact with just seven minutes left to play as he tapped home after Angus Gunn had saved from Bradley Johnson.

Winnall was thrilled with the result and he says that he’s doing all that he can to impress when given the opportunity to lead the line for the Rams.

He told RamsTV: “I’m delighted to get back on the scoresheet and now I just need to get back into the team.

“It is frustrating, but when you get your chance, you need to be prepared to take it and put the work in for the team, and I think that all of the substitutes can say that we did that.

“It doesn’t matter if I play one minute or the full match, I’ll always run myself into the ground and thankfully I’ve got a goal as the reward.”

David Nugent gave Gary Rowett’s side the lead on the stroke of half time, with Timm Klose heading an equaliser before Winnall’s vital contribution.

Derby were made to suffer for long periods as the in-form hosts took control of possession in the second half, and Winnall believes that the magnitude of the result shouldn’t be underestimated.

He said: “I don’t think there will be many teams that come to Carrow Road and take the three points this season, so it’s a massive win for us and I’m pleased that I could play my part.

“We’ve come to a place like Norwich, not been at our best but still taken the three points. We dug in, we were solid all over the pitch and we thoroughly deserved it.”

Winnall also wanted to send a message to the Rams’ fans, who have backed the striker with his own song since he arrived from Wednesday in August.

He added: “There’s no better feeling than when you score and the fans chant your name, it’s always nice to know that they’re pleased with your performance and the effort that you put in, because the main thing is getting the wins on the board and pleasing the fans.”