3/1 To Win
Martyn Waghorn got Derby County off to the perfect start in their 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion yesterday - and he admitted afterwards he was disappointed not to fire the Rams to victory.
The frontman opened the scoring at Pride Park Stadium from the penalty spot after six minutes after he had been brought down in the area.
Another penalty, awarded just before half-time, offered the 29-year-old the opportunity to double his and Derby’s lead.
However, he saw his spot-kick was kept out by a superb save from visiting goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Derby had chances in the second half too with Jason Knight, Jack Marriott and substitute Mason Bennett all going close.
The Rams were ultimately forced to settle for a share of the spoils as Kenneth Zohore levelled for the Baggies, with after a penalty of his own after Max Lowe was adjudged to have fouled Matheus Pereira, with six minutes of normal time remaining.
Waghorn felt Derby’s strong start against the Baggies and their overall performance on the day provided plenty to be upbeat about.
The only thing missing on the day, however, was a second goal to put the game to bed.
Waghorn told Sky Sports after the match: “We knew it was going to be a tough game.
“We were aware they were quick and strong on the break and I think we stopped their threat in the first half.
“It allowed us to get a platform in the game and obviously by starting well and getting an early goal, it was a great lift for us.
“We just couldn’t quite finish it off with the second goal.”
Waghorn has already taken four penalties so far this season for the Rams, with contrasting fortunes.
Before yesterday he had seen his first spot-kick of the season saved in the 0-0 draw at home to Swansea City earlier in the month, as well as scoring from 12 yards seven days later in the 2-2 draw at Stoke City.
The frontman, however, knows what comes with the territory when taking on the responsibility of being the designated penalty taker.
He said: “If anything I hit the second penalty better than the first, but that’s how it is sometimes.
“I hit it where I wanted to hit it and obviously, as a striker, I’m not happy because you want to score goals and help the team to win.
“You take the responsibility on and you know you’ll either score or miss. It’s the second one I’ve missed this season so it’s something I need to rectify.”
