Kenzo Goudmijn’s first-half goal earned Derby a ninth straight home league win a hard-fought 1-0 victory against bottom side Cardiff at Pride Park.
Goudmijn scored the game’s only goal after 28 minutes with a first-time finish from Callum Elder’s low ball into the box to settle the contest after Rams goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom had made a string of fine saves in the first half.
Victory extends Derby’s fine run at home, while Cardiff remain bottom of the table having failed to win any of their opening five league matches.
Cardiff were almost gifted the opening goal early on as Wilfried Kanga looked to pounce on Eiran Cashin’s short back pass, only for Zetterstrom to make a crucial challenge after which he required treatment.
The Bluebirds went close again soon after as Zetterstrom pushed Rubin Colwill’s powerful effort from just inside the penalty area to safety after the visitors won possession high up the pitch.
However, Derby broke the deadlock when Goudmijn finished Elder’s low cross from the left into the bottom right corner from 10 yards after he was left unmarked in the box.
Derby keeper Zetterstrom then produced an outstanding double save to first prevent Cashin’s header from finding his own net and then react quickly to turn Dimitrios Goutas’ follow-up behind from close range.
The Rams almost doubled their lead towards the end of the first half as Elder saw his cross from the right flash across the face of goal and inches past the far post, with Cardiff keeper Jak Alnwick at full stretch.
Derby went close again on the stroke of half-time as Jerry Yates played a superb diagonal ball into the path of former Cardiff man Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, who forced Alnwick into a smart save low down to his right.
Chances were at a premium early in the second half as Cardiff’s Anwar El Ghazi curled a shot well wide from distance after cutting in from the left, while Goudmijn saw his teasing cross from the right evade everyone in the box at the other end.
The game burst into life again just past the hour mark when Yates’ clever flick released Kayden Jackson in the box, with Alnwick equal to the striker’s powerful low effort.
The visitors searched for an equaliser late on as Colwill played in substitute Ollie Tanner down the right-hand side of the area, only for the latter to blaze a shot over the crossbar.
Cardiff forced a late corner after Zetterstrom made an acrobatic save, from which Derby broke on the counter-attack as Ebou Adams beat Alnwick to a bouncing ball with the keeper well off his line.
However, Adams somehow shot wide with the goal at his mercy and an empty net in front of him.
🔊 Which national team will secure their second victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers? Both sides have already fallen significantly behind Bosnia and Herzegovina, and with Austria also in Group H, even competing for second place will be a challenge. In this context, Cyprus shouldn't be considered a contender. On the other hand, more was expected from Romania at the start of the tournament. The s...
🔊 What can we expect from South America's underdogs? Despite their standings in the table, Bolivia still have a shot at competing for seventh place—a position that grants a playoff spot for World Cup qualification. On the other hand, Chile seem out of contention; their gap is too wide, and they are clearly in a slump. The home side are considered favorites by the bookmakers. But what does ou...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
- 1 England player ratings vs Andorra: Cole Palmer disappoints as Kane bails out Tuchel
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 4 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 5 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal