Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has explained what gave Derby County a massive ‘boost’ in their win over Bolton Wanderers.
Derby County faced dropping out of the League One automatic promotion spots if they were beaten by Bolton at the weekend.
Only one point separated the two sides, but the Rams’ brilliant form meant they were on the hunt for their fourth successive win, while their visitors had drawn two of the last three outings.
It was a huge challenge for Derby and it had looked like they could be forced to accept a point as they neared the final ten minutes of the game.
However, Kane Wilson sent the home support into hysterics when he finally opened the scoring, to which Ian Evatt’s side were unable to neutralise.
The victory takes the Midlands outfit four points clear in second place, while they could move to within two points of Portsmouth if they beat them next month.
The win has kept both players and fans happy heading into this week, and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing has admitted it was the Rams’ faithfuls who made the difference.
Speaking to journalist Austin McKillen, the winger said: “It was a tough one, we had to dig in there. Not the prettiest performance but I think at this stage of the season it’s just all about winning and we’ve done that.”
When asked about how the fans contributed to the three points, Mendez-Laing replied: “They made a massive difference and it’s important. We’re going to need them and we said it previously before the game and thankfully they were loud and proud, it gave us such a boost.”
Derby County v Portsmouth – upcoming fixtures
Derby County will feel they are very much in contention to win the League One title now, with their trip to Portsmouth coming up in a few weeks time.
Anything could happen between now and then though, with the Rams preparing to face Northampton Town and Blackpool before their trip to the south coast.
Northampton currently sit 14th in the league and have picked up one win in their last seven games, while they have only won one of their previous six matches on home soil.
Meanwhile, Blackpool sit three points below the play-off positions and have lost two of their last seven games and have won five of their last 13 away fixtures.
Derby will hope to take maximum points from those two games, while Pompey have only one game against Wycombe Wanderers before they take on the Rams.
The Chairboys are in good form, though Paul Warne’s side could potentially find themselves top of the league if they beat Pompey, because of their extra upcoming fixture.