Head Coach John Eustace said his Derby County side put in a performance to be proud of as they fought to claim a point in a ‘crazy and difficult game’ against Portsmouth on Saturday afternoon.
The Rams notched up their second draw in as many games after a lively contest against Portsmouth ended 2-2 at Fratton Park.
Jerry Yates headed the Rams in front with 20 minutes to go, but the Rams’ lead didn’t remain for long as Rob Atkinson netted a corner a minute later.
Hard work from Kayden Jackson got Derby back in front as the Pompey goalscorer converted an own goal before redeeming himself when heading the final goal of the game in added time to see the points shared.
Derby will look to build on the point when they face Luton Town at Pride Park Stadium on Easter Friday (12.30pm kick-off).
On taking a point away from a hectic game of football against Portsmouth…
It was a crazy, crazy game. They make it a really difficult game here. I was really pleased and proud of the effort of the players and the fans, especially, who really got us through that second half.
We knew we’d have opportunities on the break, on the turnover. I thought if we were a little bit more clinical in the final third, we could have scored more goals. I’m delighted with the two goals we scored. It’s just the manner in which we conceded the two goals that was disappointing because we’ve got to be better on the set-pieces, which we have been excellent at overall. Both goals could have been avoided for sure.
On Jacob Widell Zetterstrom’s penalty save setting the tone…
It took us a little while to get into the game. Matt Richie got in behind our backline a little bit too easily, but Jacob came to the rescue there. I think we should have had a penalty as well up the other end just after that.
We showed great fighting spirit today. The whole club should be very proud of the effort today. We’re all disappointed that we didn’t come away with three points. I think a lot of people would’ve expected Portsmouth to run all over us here. We are delighted with the effort of the group again; we scored a couple of good goals.
On showing fight to compete in the game…
Portsmouth make the game very hectic. They put a lot of long balls forward, pick up a lot of second balls, sustain attacks and put crosses in the box, which they’re excellent at. Overall, apart from a couple of times, I was really pleased with the way we defended against them
This is the Derby County family standing up for themselves home and away, putting that 100 per cent effort in. The commitment is there. I also can’t ask for any more from the supporters. They’ve been fantastic. They’ve been our 12th man home and away. We’ve got four huge games coming up, starting on Friday at Pride Park against Luton.
