Derby boss Paul Warne admits his side’s 2-1 win over West Brom will give them a much-needed boost following their late collapse against Luton last week.
Derby hit the front in the 28th minute through Jerry Yates’ expertly taken finish for his first goal in six matches – but West Brom were twice denied by the post in the first period as the Rams took a lead into the interval.
Mason Holgate deflected into his own net from Kayden Jackson’s strike to give Derby breathing room but nerves grew inside Pride Park when Grady Diangana scored his first goal since March.
The hosts held on to deal the Baggies a fourth defeat of the campaign, a relief for Warne after Derby let in two late goals in last week’s loss.
He said: “Second half when they put it on us, we hung in there and defended pretty well. Went to make changes and got enough to get over the line.
“When they got a free-kick in the last minute I thought it was Luton repeated. Everyone played a part today which is nice.
“We didn’t batter them or one-way traffic, sometimes it comes down to minute details. The second goal was deflected, massive bit of luck which we deserved.
“They’re a good team and were always going to come at us and for the most part we defended well. It will give the lads a boost but (we) never (get) that low when we lose and high when we win.
“The differences in the games are small but it is a boost against a good team.”
Following Carlos Corberan’s exit from The Hawthorns a day before Christmas, Chris Brunt was put in temporary charge and thought his side left themselves an uphill task after going two goals down.
He said: “I think in the end we gave ourselves too much to do.
“We knew what was coming and didn’t deal with it well. A couple of chances, hit the post a couple of times, then second half we spoke about what we could do better and then got hit with a sucker punch.
“Individual errors are a part of game and we won’t have a go at anyone trying to do the right thing. This is a tough place to come.”
Brunt explained what the last few days have looked like following Corberan’s departure for Valencia.
He said: “I had a phone call late afternoon Christmas Eve saying that there is a possibility. Then another one saying it’s happening, we could do with your help.
“Why would you change what’s gone pretty well for the majority of the season. We’ve been in every game so why change that? Carlos prepped a lot before he left.
“Carlos did a great job here for two years and left us in a better place than when he came in, and you can’t say that often. He’s not left us in a bad place and what he achieved last year, getting us to the play-offs.”
