Derby Moves Closer to Championship Promotion with 1-0 Win at Cambridge

Derby County took a significant step towards promotion to the Championship with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Cambridge United. Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was the hero for the Rams, scoring the only goal of the game just before half-time.

The match started with both teams creating chances, with Cambridge’s Will Mannion making a fantastic save to deny Louie Sibley’s corner. However, it was Mendez-Laing who came closest to breaking the deadlock with a stunning effort from long range that rattled the crossbar.

But Mendez-Laing didn’t have to wait long to make his mark on the game. Sibley played a perfect through ball to the forward, who calmly rounded the keeper before slotting the ball into the empty net.

Cambridge fought hard in the second half, with Jordan Cousins and Ryan Bennett coming close to equalizing, but Derby’s defense held firm to secure the crucial three points.

With this win, Derby now only need one point from their final game against bottom club Carlisle to secure promotion. On the other hand, Cambridge will need to win one of their remaining two games or rely on Cheltenham failing to win both of theirs to ensure their safety in the league.

It was a tense and exciting match that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Derby will now be looking to finish the job and secure their promotion in front of their home fans in the next game.