Jay McEveley admitted he couldn't have hit his match-winning strike against Doncaster Rovers any sweeter.
After a spell out of the side since serving a suspension over the New Year he has had to wait patiently in the wings.
But the defender came off the bench to become the unlikely hero today with a stunning strike to hand Derby a place in Round 5 with two minutes left on the clock.
Jay told dcfc.co.uk afterwards: "It was a decent strike; I just backed up the play and gambled if the ball came to me and I would have a go.
"Luckily it fell to me, I hit it sweetly and it went in.
"I haven't played for while so it was nice to get some game time.
"I stupidly got suspended for the red card at Newcastle and I've not been able to get back in since.
"I have to keep plugging away and wait for moments like today to make an impact.
"I'll just keep working hard and I know patience is important when you are out the team."
And McEveley believes Derby can draw great confidence from progress in the FA Cup.
"It is great to be in Round 5, it is something we can draw great confidence from.
"We need to take it into our League form as well and move up the table.
"We believe in ourselves and we want to extend our little run to four unbeaten at Plymouth."
