Derby County faced off with Queens Park Rangers in a Championship meeting on Saturday afternoon.
Paul Warne’s side had a solid start to the season but their form has fallen away somewhat of late.
Derby County were predicted to beat Queens Park Rangers ahead of kick-off at Pride Park, finally ending their winless run.
Derby lost to Sunderland last time out, seeing them suffer a third-straight defeat for the first time this season.
The Rams had slipped down to 14th in the Championship table as a result and there was some fear they could be pulled into a relegation battle if results do not start to improve.
But after a tough run of fixtures against the likes of Sheffield United and Sunderland, Derby fans probably saw this tie as a great chance to get their season back on track – especially as they were playing at Pride Park and have been much stronger on home soil this term.
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Derby County fans react to Marcus Harness vs QPR
Derby had a couple of injury concerns going into the game with Ben Osborn missing out in the centre of the park.
Warne had little to worry about, however, as Marcus Harness stepped up to replace him and enjoyed a prolific afternoon’s work.
Harness scored Derby’s second of the day and received high praise on social media from Derby fans for his performance.
One fan, who was seemingly very excited by the midfielder’s goal, wrote: “OH MY MARCUS HARNESS”.
Another added: “Harness has come out very positive. Both goals from him pushing on in forward positions.”
A third wrote: “MY CDM”, followed by three love heart eyes emojis, while another commented: “Marcus Harness”, followed by three clapping emojis and, “Sublime football by Derby.”
A sixth wrote: “Goudmijn and Harness impressive in the middle,” while BBC Derby journalist Dominic Dietrich claimed there was ‘no stopping’ Harness’ goal:
“GOAL!!! Derby have scored again!!! Jackson down the right swaures it back to Marcus Harness who first time bends it right into the top corner, there’s no stopping that. What a way to open your account 2-0.”
Marcus Harness can become key player for Derby County
Harness was a late addition to Warne’s squad this summer, not moving to Pride Park from Ipswich Town until deadline day.
The 28-year-old has found it tough breaking into the team amid the excellent form of Ebou Adams, Osborn, David Ozoh and Kenzo Goudmijn.
However, with Obsborn missing out on Saturday and Ozoh sidelined with an injury as well, Harness had the perfect chance to stake a claim for a regular starting berth against QPR and more than took it.
He received a standing ovation when he was subbed off in the 73rd minute and is sure to be in Warne’s thinking when Derby return to action after the break.