Derby County's First Victory: Lars-Jorgen Salvesen's Quality Strike

Darren Robinson hailed Derby County’s response to their winless start as “a quality” answer after Lars-Jorgen Salvesen’s thunderous strike delivered a first victory of the season against Portsmouth.

The former Rams midfielder picked out the Norwegian’s decisive moment as the difference on a night when Portsmouth peppered the goal but failed to find a ruthless touch.

“It was a quality finish in the way he came on to the ball and it was a confident finish,” Robinson said, underlining the conviction behind Salvesen’s effort.

Portsmouth had fired in a series of efforts from range, testing Derby’s resolve without ever quite carving them open. The volume was there. The precision was not.

“There were lots of shots from distance, particularly from Portsmouth, but they lacked that cutting edge - but you watch that finish by Salvesen,” Robinson added. “He comes on to it and he absolutely thumps it - it was still rising as it hit the back of the net.”

The goal arrived just as the atmosphere threatened to turn. Frustration had been growing, the home crowd sensing the familiar danger of another missed opportunity as Portsmouth reacted strongly after the interval.

“It was an important time to score because the crowd were building a bit of energy,” Robinson said. “Portsmouth had given that reaction after half-time and that really burst the bubble.”

One strike, rising all the way into the net, to puncture Portsmouth’s momentum and finally ignite Derby’s season.