Boss proud as his Rams kept going

JOHN Eustace was full of praise for Derby County's spirit after they sealed their place in the second round of the Carabao Cup with a penalty shootout win against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns on Tuesday.

- By LEIGH CURTIS

The Rams appeared to be going out of the competition after Aune Heggebo has given the Baggies a second-half lead.

But a much-changed Rams side - head coach Eustace made nine changes - kept plugging away and in stoppage time their persistence paid off when Joe Ward struck a terrific free kick to send the game to penalties.

Keeper Josh Vickers made two saves as the Rams won the shootout 3-2 and Eustace said: "I'm really proud of the effort of the group.

"It was fantastic for the lads who got minutes in the legs and academy players, they kept going and stuck in there in the difficult moments.

"No matter who plays we get 100 per cent from them and I was very proud of them.