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Derby boss Paul Warne admitted they had goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith to thank following their 1-0 win against Wanderers.
Wildsmith made a fine stop to keep out Jon Dadi Bodvarsson’s header from close range during the first half. He also denied George Thomason after the break.
The Rams went on to secure an important three points in the League One promotion race, with Kane Wilson getting the decisive goal from a corner 12 minutes from time.
“Joe pulled us out,” said Warne after the final whistle. “We congratulated him after the game which is unheard of – managers congratulating goalkeepers.
“He pulled one two unbelievable saves – one first half form Bodvarsson, the header. As soon as the cross came in, I just thought it was going to hit the net.
“Joe has been part of a decent team performance, I am really pleased.”
Dwight Gayle has had a big impact since joining Derby on a free transfer last month, but the former Newcastle and Crystal Palace striker was forced off with a hamstring injury during the first half.
“It is disappointing that Dwight came off with a hamstring issue, that is pretty devastating news,” Warne added.
“But they were on top then and it enabled us to bring another midfielder on. Then I felt like we had settled the storm a little bit.
“We made changes at half time, Tom (Barkhuizen) and Wardy (Joe Ward) were sore so we didn’t take any risks. We just had enough to win.
“I am honest, there wasn’t anything in it really. Two teams and two brilliant sets of fans going for it, and it always felt like it was going to come down to one set-piece.
“They hit the bar from one and the fact that we got it – I have been harping on since I came here that in tight games, a set-piece goal can win you it.
“Today it did and if I was in the opposition dressing room, I would be disappointed not to be leaving with a point.”
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