Waghorn’s three‑word verdict caps Derby’s late slip against Wrexham
Derby County’s forward Sammie Szmodics gave the Rams an early lead against Wrexham, only for Ollie Rathbone’s late strike to earn a point, and former striker Martyn Waghorn summed up the performance in three words: “Some finish lad.” The reaction came after Derby slipped further into the relegation zone.
Derby’s weekend slip
Derby hosted Wrexham at Pride Park on Saturday as part of the 3 pm kick‑offs that marked the return of Championship football. Szmodics opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a ferocious strike from distance, giving the Rams a 1‑0 advantage.
The lead held until the 88th minute, when Ollie Rathbone bundled the ball home to secure a point for the Welsh side. The draw, combined with Burnley’s 4‑0 away win over Watford, dropped Derby to 23rd in the Championship table, with only Preston North End keeping them off the bottom. I’m noting that Derby remain 23rd after the draw. At the End, Rathbone’s late strike earned the point for Wrexham.
Szmodics’ impact and Waghorn’s reaction
Szmodics completed a permanent move from Ipswich Town in the summer for an initial £2.7 million, potentially rising to £5 million, and has contributed three goals and one assist in eight Championship games this season. After the match, he posted on Instagram, stating he was happy to have his name on the scoresheet but felt the side deserved all three points.
Former Leicester, Ipswich and Derby striker Martyn Waghorn replied in the comments, writing “Some finish lad.” Waghorn, 36, ended his playing career with Northampton Town in February 2025 after more than 370 Championship appearances and exactly 150 games for Derby, the most he ever played for a single club.
Action images show James, a Stoke City fan born and raised in Stoke‑on‑Trent, watching the drama unfold. Like many supporters, he followed the Instagram thread where the comment log captured Waghorn’s three‑word verdict. Here, the post also included a Show of the goal replay.
Waghorn’s encouraging comment will give Rams supporters belief heading into their away clash with Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday evening, before an important home tie with Stoke City, where they will be hoping for their first home win of the season.
John Eustace must find a way to turn the tide at Pride Park sooner rather than later, and with Derby’s recent record of just one win in ten league games last season, he will increasingly look to Szmodics to lead the way out of danger. Will the Rams be able to reverse their fortunes under his guidance?