Gary Rowett salutes goal hero Alex Pearce as Derby crush Bolton

Posted Sunday, April 08, 2018 by PA

Derby manager Gary Rowett praised the character of Alex Pearce after his first goal of the season set up a 3-0 win over struggling Bolton.

The Republic of Ireland defender marked only his second start in the Sky Bet Championship this season by heading the opening goal as Derby celebrated back-to-back wins for the first time this year.

Derby had not won at home since early February but they were in control from the moment Pearce was given the space to head a corner past Ben Alnwick from eight yards.

They could have scored again before David Nugent was put clear in the 33rd minute. Although his shot was parried by Alnwick, Matej Vydra netted on the rebound.

Bolton’s hopes of a comeback vanished in the 54th minute when Tom Lawrence was allowed to burst forward and drive a 20-yard shot into the bottom corner.

Scott Carson twice denied Mark Beevers in the 75th minute but defeat leaves Bolton only two points above the relegation zone.

For Rowett, Pearce was a big factor in the victory and the Rams boss said: “Coming up with the header underlines his last two performances. He’s got real desire and wanted to get his head on things in both boxes.

“I’m really pleased because that started the ball rolling a little. Sometimes when you haven’t had an opportunity it’s about your mentality when you’re not in the side.

“His mentality every day has been superb. The lads come in at half nine every morning but he comes in at half eight and goes on the bike for half an hour in the gym just to make sure he’s ready.

“We spoke to him a few times this season and said, ‘Look, you don’t know when your chance is going to come but all you can do is make sure you are ready for it’.

“He’s been ready and although it’s only been two games, he’s taken the opportunity. Two clean sheets, looked very solid and I’m really pleased for Pearcey because he’s a great lad and he’s earned the right to have a chance.”

Bolton manager Phil Parkinson said: “We kept going. Give the lads credit for that because it’s difficult when you are two-nil down at half-time, but we stuck at it.

“But I was disappointed with the goals we conceded, particularly the first one.

“We’ve got to find a way to make sure the fundamentals are in place to give ourselves a chance of winning and I feel in the last three games we’ve gone away from that.”