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Luton beat Derby despite Rooney's first Rams goal


Wayne Rooney’s last goal in England was for Everton against Swansea in December 2017.

Bottom side Luton Town won a thriller against Derby County on a night when Wayne Rooney scored his first goal in English football for more than two years.

Rooney curled in from the edge of the box after being set up by Duane Holmes to give the Rams the lead.

Luton turned the game on its head after goals from Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu and Donervon Daniels, before Chris Martin equalised for Derby.

However, a late Jayden Bogle own goal ended the Hatters’ eight-match winless streak, before Derby’s Max Lowe was sent off.

The first half may have had less drama but both sides had chances, Luton’s Harry Cornick twice being denied by Derby keeper Ben Hamer, while Rooney hit a shot at Simon Sluga.

But England’s record goalscorer finally got his first goal in Derby colours, on his sixth appearance, as the Rams hoped to earn their first away league win since the opening weekend.

Luton, though, recovered valiantly as Mpanzu struck in a half-volley from the edge of the area, and Daniels, on only his third appearance for the Hatters, headed in his first goal since October 2015.

Martin’s equaliser from Bogle’s cross looked to have earned Derby a point but within 90 seconds, Bogle managed to turn into his own net.

Derby ended with 10 men after Lowe appeared to touch referee Andy Davies as he protested a decision.

Luton Town boss Graeme Jones told BBC Three Counties Radio:

“We knew before the game that we had to find a way of getting a result but I felt it coming in the performance against Nottingham Forest in our last game.

“We’ve managed to stay together when everyone’s tried to divide us – but they haven’t.

“Against all the odds we dug out a win after going a goal down. It’s really satisfying.”

Derby County boss Phillip Cocu told BBC Radio Derby:

“[To improve our defending] It’s just a mindset, a desire to prevent a goal with everything you have.

“We’ve done better over a long period of time now but this is a big setback.

“It was a big surprise that we conceded these goals in this way tonight.”





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