TWO-GOAL hero Rob Hulse fired Derby County back to winning ways against Coventry City last night – but missed out on the chance to make it a perfect evening.

Hulse was on a hat-trick when he stepped up to take an 81st-minute penalty but his spot kick was saved by Sky Blues keeper Dimi Konstantopoulos.

However, the striker's well-taken second-half brace – his fourth and fifth goals of the season – saw the Rams come from behind to clinch a much-needed 2-1 win at Pride Park Stadium.

"I should have had the match ball, which would have made me happier, but we got the three points and that's the main thing," said Hulse.

"I decided before the game that if I got a penalty, I was going to go to that side, because I thought any goalkeeper worth his salt would have watched my last penalty and done his homework.

"So I thought if I did my run-up exactly the same, he would think I was going that way again. Then, I would tap it into the empty net and look a legend – but it didn't quite work out like that!

"It was disappointing but I'm not the first person to miss a penalty and I won't be the last.

"The most important thing is that it hasn't cost us the game, so I can sleep easy."

Hulse paid tribute to strike partner Paul Dickov, who set up both goals.

He said: "I was pleased with the goals. I have felt sharp in training all week and I like playing with Dicky. He's a pleasure to play with. He works hard, looks for you and he's done well for me with two great balls.

"I was just lucky to get on the end of them and pleased to see them go in."