Harry Wilson finally rediscovered his fine form at Pride Park as his two goals gave Derby County a vitally important 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers on Monday.
A poor run of form between mid-February to late March looked like undoing all of Derby’s good early-season work. Frank Lampard’s side managed just two wins in 10 games, dropping out of the top six.
The 10-week injury to Mason Mount had a significant impact on Derby’s results. But Harry Wilson’s drop in form was just as crucial as the Rams desperately lacked a spark in the final third.
Mount’s return to the fold prompted an up-turn in results and Wilson netted twice in the 3-3 draw at Brentford. Those two goals were his first strikes for as many as 15 games in all competitions.
Harry Wilson breaks his Pride Park goal drought:
The Liverpool loan star then came to Derby’s rescue again on Monday. With the game looking set for a 0-0 stalemate, Wilson scored a penalty in injury time before sealing the points with the last kick of the game.
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The late strikes against a stubborn QPR side were Wilson’s first goals at Pride Park since mid-January in the 2-1 win over Reading. It has been a long time coming, and the relief on his face was for all to see.
The talented 22-year-old deserved his moment against The Hoops. Aside from his goals, he tested QPR’s goalkeeper on another three occasions while created three clear-cut chances for his teammates.
The victory saw Frank Lampard’s men leapfrog both Bristol City and Middlesbrough into sixth place. Both Derby and Bristol City have a game in hand, while the two sides face each other at Ashton Gate next weekend.
Derby’s playoff bid hangs in the balance, but the Rams are coming into form at the right time. With Mount and Wilson firing, they have as good a chance as anybody of claiming that final playoff spot.
Also see: Derby County should move for Jake Hastie following Frank Lampard’s transfer admission.