You`ve got to hand it to Hulse

You`ve got to hand it to Hulse

The Rams first win of the season against Sheffield United ended a dismal run of over 11 months without a league victory, and the former Blades strike Rob Hulse had a hand in a number of the Rams chances, and his winner he literally did.

TV replays showed the ball did hit his hand, but it wasn`t intentional, but if referee Chris Foy had disallowed the goal he wouldn`t have got out of Pride Park alive after he amazingly awarded a penalty after Hulse was brought down by Matthew Kilgallon and changed his mind after discussion with his assistant. Again replays showed the Blades defender didn`t take the ball and caught Hulse with his trailing leg.

Talking on Sky TV after the game Hulse was delighted with the victory. "It has been a rough time over the last year and this term hasn't started well for us, but we have been working hard and we have finally got our just desserts," said Hulse.

The 28-year-old has endured a torrid time through injury over the past two years, but Hulse was just happy to get on the score-sheet even though his former team-mates tried in vain to claim a hand ball.

"It is my first goal since breaking my leg so it is special, especially as it meant so much to the fans.

"It was never a hand ball, the ball came to me after a deflection then hit my chest, all I had to do was to keep my head down and hit it.

"Even if it had come off my hand, it would have evened itself out, as it should have been a penalty moments before. This is a new start, a new season for this club," added Hulse.

Rams boss, Paul Jewell, who has been under intense pressure over the past month, was happy with the victory. "My feelings are a mixture of joy and relief for everyone at the club because it has been painful.

'It hasn't been nice but I am a big boy and you've got to take criticism on the chin.

'But I believe that we can now get on a decent run and we will improve as the season goes on," said Jewell.

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