Derby 3-1 Cardiff: Bluebirds promotion hopes hit as old boy Cameron Jerome strikes twice in Rams comeback
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Gary Rowett hopes Derby can dispel claims of “a curse” after denting Cardiff's bid for automatic promotion
Callum Paterson struck a superb first half volley to Neil Warnock's men infront at the break.
It would have left the second-placed Bluebirds needing just a win at Hull on Saturday to go up.
But Rams hitman Cameron Jerome scored with a good finish in the 69th minute goal to level.
Then sub Matej Vydra smashed in an 82nd minute scorcher amid a stirring fight-back before Jerome grabbed his second.
It denied Cardiff a sweet win after the original game was postponed at short-notice last month due to snow to Warnock's fury.
The win reinvigorated Derby's play-off hopes as they climbed back into sixth spot after just two wins in 13 games previously.
Manager Rowett was relieved after criticism that Derby blow promotion annually around this year.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Rowett, who previously bossed Burton and Birmingham, said: “As soon as we lose everyone goes ballistic about the curse.
“I certainly wasn't going to urinate in all four corners of the ground to try and lift it. But it probably got to the players.
“Until you win enough games to get promoted it is always going to be levelled at Derby.
“It's the biggest test I've faced as a manager and the most difficult period.
“Having been on the run we have been on it has been incredibly deflating.
“This is a massive win, we knew it was going to be a real test.”
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Derby started well as home midfielder Bradley Johnson and Tom Lawrence had efforts. The hosts had a major escape when Johnson handled Jamie Ward's shot.
But there was no stopping the visitors in the 28 minute when Paterson smashed in an unstoppable opener. Joe Bennett flighted a ball to the back post where Paterson volleyed in his 10th of the season after Marcus Olsson lost his man.
(Image: PA)
After the break, Derby deservedly equalised when Jerome held off Sean Morrison to turn the stopper and score with a right-foot shot on the turn.
Sub Vydra notched his 21st this term by hammering in Andre Wisdom's pass after he robbed Yanic Wildshut on the byline.
Jerome completed the comeback in the 90 minute after another Morrison mistake to embarrass the visitors' captain who recently taunted Derby in clip leaked on social media.
(Image: PA Wire.)
(Image: PA)
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
Warnock rued: “It was the most blatant penalty as Johnson moves his hand to the ball.
“I am disappointed in the decisions but it doesn't compensate for conceding three Sunday League balls.
“I can't blame the weather for the goals we conceded.
“The lads are all flat but I just said to them most teams would love to have 86 points and need to win two games to get promotion.”
Player Ratings
Derby: Carson 6, Wisdom 7, Keogh 7, Davies 7, Forsyth 6, Olsson 6 (Vydra 60, 7), Weimann 7 (Pearce 87, 6), Johnson 7, Huddlestone 7, Lawrence 6 (Hanson 87, 6), Jerome 8 MOTM
Cardiff: Etheridge 7, Manga 7 Booked, Morrison 6, Bamba 7, Paterson 7 Booked, Ralls Booked 6, Gunnarsson 7, Ward 6 (Wildschut 74, 2), Bennett 6 Booked, Hoilett 6 (Pilkington 74, 6), Madine 5 (Zohore 67, 6)