3/1 To Win
Skipper Tom Lawrence could not put into words his delight at full time as he inspired Derby County to a 2-0 victory over Sheffield United at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The forward scored twice in the second half to ensure the Rams moved off the foot of the Sky Bet Championship table as they leapfrogged Barnsley in 23rd position.
His first goal was a sublime finish as he evaded a number of challenges on his way into the box before finding the bottom corner past Wes Foderingham to cap to round off a stunning solo run.
His second was just as good as Festy Ebosele broke with the ball and his strong run saw him advance on to the edge of the box.
He found Craig Forsyth who in turn laid the ball across to Lawrence and, with his weaker foot, he found the top corner from just inside the penalty area.
Lawrence, who was named captain by manager Wayne Rooney at the start of the season, could not praise his team-mates highly enough following the impressive victory over the Blades.
“This team just doesn’t surprise me because I see how hard they work every day,” he told RamsTV.
“It’s just a pleasure to play alongside those lads in there. They give 100% no matter what the circumstances are and I’m just glad that we could put smiles on faces today.
“Everyone is a proper team player in there in the dressing room. It’s hard to put into words what we feel. There are things going on around the club but I can’t give you a word to describe it. Everyone is really happy and it’s a great feeling.”
He added: “It has been tough. You feel very different things. You feel emotional because there are big players in this group, but I think we’ve shown how professional we are today.
“We have got players wanting to come into the team and they showed that in an outstanding performance today. We just have to dig in and these fans help us each week.
“The form that we are in and the quality that we are showing on the pitch as well is incredible.
“The things that we work on in training are coming out on the pitch and if we could keep this group together then I think we could do something special - but I don’t know.”
The 28-year-old had yet to watch his goals back when he spoke to the media, but admitted he couldn’t pick which one was his favourite.
When the goals hit the back of the net, Pride Park Stadium erupted with noise as supporters showed their appreciation to the team at the full time whistle.
“I have to say a big thank you to the supporters,” Lawrence said. “I don’t think we would have won so many games without them so it’s a massive help when they are there cheering us on no matter what the circumstance.
"I want to offer a big thank you to them all.”
