Frank Lampard secured all three points in his first game in management as Derby beat Reading 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium.
The Rams went into the game as favourites, and were the subject of a winning 11/5 tip in Sporting Life's preview of the game.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson had given the hosts the lead early into the second-half, before Mason Mount's effort from range levelled the scoring eight minutes later.
In the dying seconds of the game, Mason Bennett's wonderful cross was met by the head of Tom Lawrence as the ball flew into the top corner with 94 minutes on the clock.
A Bodvarsson header combined with Mount scoring from outside the area was a 300/1 RequestABet selection with EFL title sponsors Sky Bet before the game.
😍 There's only one way to start the new @EFL season, and that's with a winning 300/1 @RequestABet. #DCFC pic.twitter.com/30WNA2MIrQ
— Sky Bet (@SkyBet) August 3, 2018
Derby's system of passing from the back caused them more grief than good in the early exchanges, and Bodvarsson almost capitalised as he was played through following Richard Keogh's loose effort in finding a teammate. Scott Carson bailed his defender out with a save one-on-one.
Chants of 'boring, boring Derby' summed up the first half an hour, with County players enjoying possession of the ball but doing very little to provide any threat to Vito Mannone in the Reading goal.
The hosts almost made Derby pay for their poor quality in possession when they once again won the ball inside the opposition half. Liam Kelly's driven effort from the edge of the area was saved low by Carson.
From the resulting corner, Tiago Ilori met the ball at the edge of the six-yard box, although Carson was alert to deny his header low to his right.
New addition Harry Wilson had a great opportunity to give the Rams an undeserved lead on the stroke of half-time, but his free-kick from the edge of the area sailed high into the stands.
With under ten minutes played in the second-half, Reading finally went ahead.
A cross from the left was floated in by Mo Barrow, and Bodvarsson rose above the Derby defence to head the ball into the bottom corner. Carson, who had come to the rescue for Derby in the opening 45, could do little but watch it go in.
Minutes later, Mannone gifted the Rams an equaliser. Summer signing Mount tried his luck from outside the area and the Royals stopper failed to deflect away what should have been a comfortable low save.
With six minutes of normal time remaining, Mannone redeemed himself with a wonderful save on the line. A cross from Mount was left to run along the face of goal and Wilson was unchallenged as he met the ball at the back post.
Mannone though, was alert to the danger and punched away what could have been a winner for the visitors.
🙌⚽️ Frank Lampard won't forget the way his first game in management ended even when he takes charge of his last...#DCFC pic.twitter.com/P8f8PBODHf
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) August 3, 2018
With seconds remaining, Derby did get that crucial goal. Bennett's drilled cross into the box was dangerous, and Lawrence's remarkable header sailed into the top corner with power.
The result sees the Rams start with victory, and Derby have now extended their unbeaten opening game run to ten.
By Tom Carnduff
