Donervon Daniels ended a 1,564-day goal drought to open his Hatters account with a bullet header in last night’s thrilling 3-2 victory over Derby County and it’s been so long he barely knew what to do once the ball hit the net.
The defender, who was brought back early from a loan spell at League One Doncaster Rovers at the start of the month, entered the fray on the hour with the score still goalless.
He replaced ever-present Matty Pearson – who suffered a knock to his hip, which is not expected to be a serious – and within three minutes of his entrance, a Wayne Rooney shot took a wicked deflection off him to find the top corner.
But ten minutes later, Town Daniels put Town on top after Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu’s blast had quickly cancelled out County’s opener, rising highest to power home a header in front of the Kenilworth Road end.
Though it was ultimately an 88th minute own goal from Jayden Bogle that sealed victory for Luton, Daniels’ effort was the first time he’d made the net bulge since bagging a brace for Wigan against Colchester United in League One on October 17, 2015.
“Before that drought, goals were part of my game. I used to think that,” said the 26-year-old.
“That is my first one in a little while and hopefully that gives me the confidence to stick my head where it hurts sometimes, to get those rewards.
“All the boys were saying run to the corner, but I was so filled with emotion and happiness I didn’t know where to run. I was just happy to contribute in a positive way to getting three points that was desperately needed.
“But even before I came on, I was really proud of the boys because they worked really hard.”
It was a pleasing turnaround after being so cruelly involved in Rooney’s first ever strike for the Rams – his first in English football for two years – and Daniels said: “I’m frustrated with the deflection, but I tried to block the ball, as that’s my job.
“But then going up the other end and contributing with a goal, that’s an extra, but I was happy to be on the pitch and contribute as much as I could.
“I’ve been there, analysing the set plays, so I knew what I needed to do, if needed. The ball was a really good ball by James (Bree), he’s been putting in some really good ones, but I just timed my jump well and, luckily, I got a good contact on it.
“I like to chuck myself there but sometimes it just doesn’t land. Some people are magnets to the ball, and I like to think I’m a magnet to the ball in the other box and get my head on it.
“I’m going to try my hardest to add to that tally.”
Pearson had played every minute in the Championship this term until he was forced off last night, but Daniels said he was fully prepared to perform when called in action.
He said: “It’s difficult being on the bench but I’ve come here and I want to play so, at every moment, I’ve got to be ready for when the opportunity presents itself.
“I warmed up for 60 minutes before I came on, so I was ready, I knew my set plays, I analyse the opposition, so if I’m on the bench I’m ready if called upon.”
