Sainz nets hat-trick as Norwich beat Rams

Kayden Jackson wasted a huge chance to give the hosts an early lead, side-footing his close-range effort wide after meeting an inviting low cross that Nathan Mendez-Laing bent into the box with the outside of his boot.

Sainz was Norwich’s biggest first half-threat, as the Spaniard forced Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom to palm a miscued attempt over the bar just minutes after he sent a skimming low shot just wide of the post.

And while Derby’s Cashin ensured Sargent was not presented with a tap-in finish as the first-half ticked into injury time, the American was able to carve out the controversial chance for Sainz to break the deadlock when Marcelino Nunez stole the ball from Mendez-Laing.

Sargent had an initial cross blocked by Cashin, but he kept his footing and chased the ball as it crossed the byeline and hooked it back for Sainz to flick home.

Television replays showed the ball had run dead, with home fans making their frustrations clear as a cacophony of boos rang around the ground at half-time.

Forsyth gave the Rams faithful reason to roar in delight on the hour mark, slamming the ball home after Curtis Nelson nodded a deep Mendez-Laing corner back across goal.

Their joy was short lived, however, as Sainz punished the Rams for their inability to close him down as he carried the ball towards the area.

In a thrilling finish, Cashin clattered the woodwork for Derby before Sainz finished off a counter attack, which once again started with the ball appearing to run over the byeline at the other end of the pitch.

Blackett-Taylor gave Derby renewed hope with his first goal for the club, and it took a brilliant save from Angus Gunn to deny Jackson what would have been a 94th-minute equaliser.