Derby County sparked scenes of jubilation at Pride Park as they secured a 2-0 victory over Carlisle United to seal their return to the Championship.
In front of a delirious crowd that was bouncing throughout, Derby sent their supporters away with a moment they’ll never forget after winning promotion back to the Championship.
Max Bird capped an emotional farewell to the club by scoring the opener inside five minutes, which lifted the roof off Pride Park and settled any pre-match nerves.
Derby only needed a point in this match to guarantee their destiny, but grabbing the first ensured it would be very difficult for the visitors to overturn that deficit, despite threatening on the counterattack.
The Rams scored their second goal of the game when Sonny Bradley knocked down for James Collins who took a touch before rifling past Harry Lewis.
As the fans streamed onto the pitch to celebrate with the players and staff, this moment was special and one man played a huge part in getting them there.
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing lauded a ‘handful’ vs Carlisle
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has enjoyed an outstanding season at Derby with nine goals and a record-breaking 16 assists to his name.
The 32-year-old has carried their weight of expectation in attack and looks ready to take the Championship by storm.
That was no different this afternoon as Mendez-Laing was a constant threat against Carlisle’s defence, completing two dribbles, winning two fouls and winning eight ground duels.
It is therefore no surprise the jet-heeled attacker garnered praise for his performance, with Leigh Curtis lauding him a ‘handful’ for his display while claiming he’s been ‘magnificent’ all season.
As per the Derby Telegraph, Curtis wrote: “Almost grabbed a goal early on when he dragged a shot wide of the far post and when he did get the ball he was a handful for Carlisle. Been magnificent across the season. 7.5”
Nathaniel Mendez-Laing is ready to take the Championship by storm
As Derby make the Championship step up, there will be some doubts over which players are good enough.
Fortunately, Mendez-Laing isn’t one of those individuals as he looks ready to take the second tier by storm.
Having helped Cardiff win promotion to the Premier League in 2017/18 with 12 goal involvements in 38 games, the talented attacker is poised to be a key player for Derby next term.
Indeed, the Rams must bolster their squad around him.
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