Group effort was key for third win in row - Eustace

JOHN Eustace hailed an “excellent” Derby County performance as Carlton Morris’ hat-trick downed Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

- By LEIGH CURTIS

Morris took his tally to nine for the season with a performance that underlined his reputation as the best bit of business the Rams did this summer.

He opened the scoring in the first half with a near-post header from Joe Ward's corner and then followed it up with a classy finish after latching onto a poor back pass from Sydie Peck only 17 seconds into the second half.

Morris then finished off a first career hat-trick from the penalty spot after the referee spotted a handball and the former Luton Town striker made no mistake.

It wrapped up a memorable afternoon for the Rams, who recorded a third straight win in the Championship and left the Blades three points adrift of safety.

Asked to sum up the game, Eustace said: “It's very pleasing to come here and play so well against a good team and a top manager.

“I am pleasantly surprised we managed to score three goals. We had a lot of chances on transition and it was an excellent performance.