Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was delighted to mark his 100th appearance for Derby County by scoring a crucial goal in the side’s 1-0 victory at Cambridge United on Saturday.
The Guatemala international bagged the only goal of the Sky Bet League One contest to leave Derby needing just a point from their final fixture of the 2023/24 season, against Carlisle United at Pride Park Stadium next Saturday, to achieve automatic promotion back to the Championship.
The forward, who was last week named in the League One Team of the Season, has been an integral member of Paul Warne’s team throughout the season and his goal against the U’s was his tenth in all competitions this term.
Mendez-Laing caught up with RamsTV following the game to reflect on the win, which saw Derby achieve a club record 13 away victories in a campaign, and look ahead to the final day clash with the side on the verge of promotion.
On getting the winning goal…
I am delighted. I hit the crossbar a few minutes before that, so I was just hoping it wasn’t going to be one of those days for us. It was a great ball from Sibs and I was pleased he spotted my run in behind the defence. As soon as the goalkeeper came out, I knew what I had to do and luckily my touch was good to go round him. I was happy to get the goal but collectively we got the job done. It was a tough game and credit to the defence; they were excellent today and put their bodies on the line. As a team, I think we deserved the win. The fans were great, too, and it was amazing to score in front of them.
On the defence…
They’ve been massive for us and the clean sheets have been vital. Everyone has played a part this season. A shout out must go to the defence because it gives us so much confidence when we go forward that we have them behind us. They do their jobs and it is down to us to do ours.
On making 100 appearances for the club…
To play this many games in two seasons is a great achievement for me. It is something I am proud of and hopefully there’s many more to come. I feel very settled, thanks to everyone at the club, and there’s a real togetherness here. It makes me comfortable. I couldn’t ask for anything more and I love everything about the club. It helps with your performances when you’re in such a good place.
On setting a club record of away wins…
It is great. I can’t give you specific reason as to why we’ve been so good away from home, but we always go out to win. It is nice to achieve something special in the history of the club. The fans have played a big part in it. The away support is unreal and, wherever we play, they’re louder than the home fans and it gives us a huge boost.
On the prospect of getting over the line next week…
It is massive and it would mean so much to us. This was the goal at the start of the season, and we are 90 minutes away from that now. We are back in on Monday, and we have to be fully focussed on Carlisle, as we have a job to do.We’ve got one more to go.
