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Derby boss Steve McClaren delighted by 2-0 win at Wigan

Steve McClaren
Image: Steve McClaren: Felt victory had been coming

Derby boss Steve McClaren admitted the vital 2-0 Sky Bet Championship victory at Wigan Athletic that reignited their promotion push had been coming.

The Rams recorded a first triumph in eight at the DW Stadium, to pile on the pressure for a Wigan side now eight points adrift of safety with only five matches remaining.

Chris Martin scored the first goal, just six minutes after entering the fray as a half-time substitute.

The win was secured nine minutes from time with Darren Bent slotting home from close range.

And McClaren insists he never became worried that their chance of returning to the Premier League was passing them by.

"It was a massive win, that showed huge character," the Rams boss said.

"We've not had the rub of the green in the last few weeks, we've been playing well and performances have been good.

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Wigan sacked manager Malky Mackay on Easter Monday after their 2-0 home defeat to Derby County.

"Today we got that in both boxes - we defended for our lives and we had the quality we have been missing at the other end.

"We've had to be patient and wait for the likes of Darren Bent and Chris Martin to come back to fitness.

"Today showed how much we have missed them, and how much we'll need them for the rest of the season."

The win leaves Derby five points off automatic promotion, but McClaren is not getting carried away.

"I think it's a long shot," he added. "It's out of our hands, we've got no control over it.

"We have to win the last five games, but we're not looking too far ahead."

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Wigan boss Malky Mackay, who was later shown the door by Wigan, felt Latics once again paid a high price for their profligacy in front of goal.

The home side edged a tight first half, only for goalkeeper Lee Grant to pull off a stunning save to deny James McClean just before the break.

In the second half Wigan repeatedly got into good areas, but lacked the quality in the final third to threaten a response.

"I thought we were terrific in the first half, I really did," Mackay said. "We got 17 crosses into the box, and when you have that domination from good areas, that should bring you a return of at least two goals.

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Wigan have sacked manager Malky Mackay following a 2-0 defeat to Derby which left them eight points adrift of safety

"If that's the case, in the second half all you're talking about is game management, and seeing the game out.

"For all that good play, we go in 0-0 at half-time, and we know Derby will make a change because they have to.

"Martin sticks a terrific goal into the net, give him his due, and he's been doing it all season.

"And the difference with him in the team shows you what having a top striker does for a football team.

"After that I thought we showed courage and we kept going, and we had four chances in their six-yard box.

"To not take one of them is criminal as far as we're concerned."

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