Post-Match Verdict: Paul Warne Vs Accrington Stanley (A)

Paul Warne was left satisfied with a good afternoon’s work as Derby County recorded a 3-0 away win at Accrington Stanley in Sky Bet League One on Saturday.

A double from on-loan Sheffield United striker William Osula had the Rams two goals to the good at the break, although they were aided by Accrington skipper Sean McConville missing two penalties inside two minutes late in the half.

Wing-back Tom Barkhuizen rounded off the scoring in added time to hand Derby a second win in three league games since Warne was appointed as Head Coach in late September.

Warne caught up with RamsTV after the final whistle to offer his assessment on an action-packed afternoon at the Wham Stadium.

On The Win…

I am a happy man after that. There are some tired bodies in the dressing room and I’m not surprised. This was a tough game and Accrington had only lost two games at home in 2022 until today. We started really well and got ourselves a great early goal from Will. We had a mad few minutes before half-time with the two penalties and our second goal. The two penalties were, from my view, self-inflicted moments and not great creative play from Accrington to get the opportunities. I wasn’t happy about it; I was raging and at times some of the things we did weren’t what I wanted us to do. It was a crazy period and Joe Wildsmith kept us in it with the first save, before Will got his second after they put their other penalty wide. It was just a ball over the top for the second goal but we have pace up top for a reason. No defender likes to be up against real pace. We were good in the second half and had to sit in a bit, but on the counter-attack we had some more chances to make it a lot more. Defensively, we did well and dealt with what they threw at us. Curtis Davies was unbelievable and makes a huge difference to our backline. In the end, I felt we were more than deserving winners and it felt like we took a step in the right direction.

On Will Osula’s Goals…

It’s great he’s got his first career goals and they were superb finishes too. It is good when the strikers chip in with the goals, obviously, as it provides a real boost and confidence. It is a team win but getting the front players scoring goals is vital. We could have scored a few more goals, but the three we got were pleasing. We need goals from everywhere, though, and Tom Barkhuizen getting one at the end was great. I’d love to see the data for the ground he covered.

On McGoldrick & Smith Returning…

It was nice to see them back. They’re good leaders and experienced players and to bring their type on are not the worst changes you can make! We managed to get Haydon Roberts and Richard Stearman out there too. The success of the team is the success of the squad and they all played their part for us.

On The Derby Fans…

I am buzzing for them and they were amazing. They stayed with the team and we appreciate that. I apologise if anyone had the blood pressure I did; I don’t intend for us to give two penalties away each week! I said to the lads, the whole week’s work is worth it when you come off after a win and can enjoy the moment with the supporters. That feeling of unity is really nice.