After conceding a last-gasp equaliser against Queens Park Rangers in midweek, the Magpies produced an assured first-half display in front of a capacity crowd at St. James’ Park, and deservedly led at the break through Matt Ritchie’s deflected effort.
They came under pressure late on, however, with Tom Ince, Ikechi Anya and Darren Bent all going close for the Rams.
But, Rafa Benitez’s side held out to serve up the perfect tonic to Wednesday’s late disappointment, with Hanley applauding the togetherness within the United camp.
“Results like that always feel a bit better when you’ve had to grind it out,” he told nufc.co.uk. “We knew it was going to be a tough game – they are a top side, and they have been a top side in the Championship as long as I can remember.
“They were piling the pressure on at the end, playing it a bit longer – which is perhaps not their style of play. The manager brought big Jamaal (Lascelles) on, so we had three big centre-halves on who love to head it. We had to show a bit of spirit and character. The atmosphere was not great after the result the other night, so it’s great to bounce back like that.
“The fans here are brilliant – they turn up in their numbers every week – so after a game (like Wednesday’s) it is important to put it right. It’s nice to get the win and be back on the track we want to be on.”
Though he has been a virtual ever-present for United in this season’s cup competitions, Saturday marked Hanley’s first start in a Championship fixture since the opening day of the campaign.
Deployed alongside Ciaran Clark in the heart of the backline, the Scot felt that the Magpies were a little more tuned-in after Wednesday’s late sucker punch, Steve McClaren’s Derby restricted to slim pickings during a one-sided first half.
“Perhaps on the back of Wednesday night, the manager wanted us to make sure we were fully concentrated and organised, so we maybe had a wee edge to make sure we were right on it,” he said. “In the first half, we were picking up all of the second balls and we were really on top of the game.
“For me, it’s nice to get some game-time. Playing alongside Ciaran, he is experienced, intelligent and always looking to organise, which is very important as a centre-back. There are some really top players at this club, so whoever you’re playing with you know you’re playing with a really good player, so it’s really enjoyable.”
