Post-Match Verdict: Smith 'Delighted' To Score First Derby Goal

Midfielder Korey Smith was 'absolutely delighted' to score his first competitive goal for Derby County in the 3-1 victory over Blackpool on Tuesday night.

Smith's strike early in the second half at Bloomfield Road was not only his first goal for the Rams since his arrival in the summer of 2022 but his first in competitive action since the 2017/18 season.

Speaking to RamsTV after the win, Smith expressed his delight at finally getting on the scoresheet but reiterated that the most important thing for him was the three points in Sky Bet League One.

On his first Derby County goal...

I'm absolutely delighted. When the ball hit the back of the net, wow! Normally it goes over, hits the crossbar or gets blocked in the last few years. The gaffer is always telling me to get in the box and the time will come for me.

I thought the team were brilliant tonight and I was glad to help to secure the win by getting the goal and also making my kids happy.

On the performance...

It was two good teams going at it. They dominated us in the Carabao Cup tie at Pride Park in August, so we wanted a bit of revenge and had to play smart. We were set up well and we made some brilliant chances.

Our work-rate, our shape and our team-work was really good. We could have scored five or six really with the chances we made.

In the last few weeks our performances have been top and we've been building as a team. I'm proud of the boys and at this stage it's about the performances. The results and climbing the table will come.

On taking the chances tonight after the frustration of Saturday's draw with Cambridge...

We dominated on Saturday against Cambridge and should have won the game but that's football and it's going to happen. This is what happens when you keep that level of performance. Our team, our squad, our bench today - everyone that was coming on are top players. The fans were brilliant today, so loud and that's what it's all about.

On having a hand in all the goals...

I think scoring a goal gave me a bit of confidence. I probably should have had a couple more assists maybe but we're not going to score every single one. I'm really glad to have helped the team and it's nice to be the one helping up the other end of the pitch. I'm proud of that and proud of my team-mates.

On where the performance ranks for him...

It was probably one of my best. I hadn't scored for Derby before this game so that was always going to take the headlines. You don't always get the recognition when you are breaking up play and not scoring the goals so it's nice to get that tonight but the most important thing is the three points.

On the current unbeaten run...

Our performances have been really good in the last few weeks. We've only conceded a couple of goals in the last six games and as a team we've looked really solid - that's the foundation you need. We need to carry on performing and working hard as we are doing. The effort from the boys is brilliant and I'm proud to be a part of this team. I'm proud of the players, staff, fans, everyone.

On his kids at home being happy...

They are going to be absolutely delighted! They were buzzing when I scored in pre-season against Sheffield United and they are going to be even happier that I've scored now in a league game. They are my biggest critics but also my biggest supporters. They will be asleep now so they won't know but I'll be waking them up nice and early to let them know Daddy scored a goal.

On the fans...

I thought they were brilliant. I think they can see our performances have been really good lately. We should have won on Saturday, but that's football. I feel like they were with us from the off, every time someone made a tackle or did something positive - they were cheering us on. The noise after the goals was absolutely amazing. I'm proud to be part of this club.