REACTION: Scott Loach’s verdict on Ipswich Town’s dramatic win at Derby
Scott Loach - Credit: Archant
Derby v Ipswich: Town hero Scott Loach played down the significance of his crucial first-half penalty save after Carlos Edwards’ last-minute wonder strike sealed a smash-and-grab 1-0 victory for the Blues at Derby County.
Edwards hit an unstoppable shot past Frank Fielding from 25 yards, with the game in stoppage time, to hand the visitors an unlikely victory which elevated them to 14th in the table.
The Rams had dominated the first period but after Connor Sammon hit the post, Loach made a superb save to deny Jamie Ward’s penalty kick after Richard Keogh had been upended in the box by Tommy Smith.
The ‘keeper also pulled off two further saves from Craig Bryson and Paul Coutts to seal his third and Town’s fifth clean sheet in a row.
The win gave the Blues a six-point cushion from the bottom three and Loach was quick to pay tribute to his team-mates.
“It’s my job to save goals and I have got lucky with the penalty, but the lads kept going until the end and we have done that a few times now,” said the 24-year-old.
“Jay Tabb’s block in the wall (for a late Derby free-kick) was as good as a goal.
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“We all fight together. It may have not been the most convincing of wins but you only have to see the celebrations at the end to see how together we are.”
Town threatened rarely as Derby went for their fourth straight league win in the first half but managed to stifle the Rams’ threat in the second.
And after surviving a strong penalty appeal, Aaron Cresswell flashed a volley from the corner of the box inches over the bar, before Edwards’ dramatic winner.
“It was a great strike. Carlos’ goals are like London buses,” joked Loach.
“He doesn’t score in two years then gets two in quick succession.
“But he is a great captain and a brilliant leader, he listens to the lads and helps the team.
“He is a leader and he is not the only one.”
