Manager Frank Lampard was pleased to see Derby County progress through to the Fifth Round of the Emirates FA Cup - but admitted his side faced a tough test against Sky Bet League One side Accrington Stanley.
The Rams were pushed until the final minute of the game, but Martyn Waghorn’s goal on 78 minutes was the difference between the two sides as Lampard's side ran out 1-0 winners.
Both sides had a man sent off, with Jayden Bogle seeing red late on for Derby, whilst goalkeeper Kelle Roos was forced into action late on to make a fine save.
Lampard’s side, despite late pressure, held on to the win to book their place in the next round of the competition.
“It was a tough game in all senses; in terms of conditions which we were all aware of,” Lampard told RamsTV.
“Accrington are a good team in the league below us and they were always going to try to do everything to get a result - but it’s job done.
“It could have been better but these games are special. I don’t think you’re going to see beautiful performances or goals. You have to tough it out and I think we did that.
“It’s not easy to get your shots away, it’s not easy in your build up play and we definitely could have been better. They did restrict us in a tough match.
“It was a good game and you have to flip it and say we got a clean sheet, which is important in all games, but with Kelle Roos' save at the end it was even more important and we go through to the next round.
“People will want to talk about the negative sides of today such as the dressing room and the pitch but it’s a good test. You have to show both sides of your game and it can’t be beautiful football all of the time and the players will be better for that.”
The winning goal was Waghorn’s second in this competition following his headed equaliser in the Third Round replay against Premier League side Southampton.
The forward reacted quickest to a loose ball into the penalty area to stab home, but it was good work from midfielder Duane Holmes to make the goal.
“Duane was good for the goal and good in other parts of the game because with these games you need someone to unlock the door with that skill and burst of pace and he did that a couple of times in the game,” the manager admitted.
“We were at 80% for a lot of the game and Duane has a moment at 100% and creates the goal and I’m pleased for Martyn Waghorn because he’s in good form. He is working hard for the team and getting his goals.”
Bogle received his marching orders in the final minute of normal time after a last-man challenge on Accrington substitute Paul Smyth.
The full-back received a straight red card and Lampard had no complaints over the decision.
“It was a red card,” said the manager. “Jayden has to take a red card because he’s the wrong side. He’s only 18 so those mistakes can happen but it’s ones to learn from.
“I thought he played really well. He dealt with the conditions well as anyone and he has been playing very well. He will be a top player and it’s a small learning curve today.”
One disappointment from today’s game was the injury picked up to Mason Mount in the first half.
The midfielder limped off 10 minutes before the break and the manager gave an update on his situation following the final whistle.
“He felt his hamstring from quite early in the game and reported it,” the 40-year-old commented.
“There was no need to leave him on but hopefully it’s not a big tear and it’s just a tight hamstring but we will look at him through the week.”
Asked who Lampard would like to face in the Fifth Round of the competition, he replied: “I don’t mind. We’ve had a good run this year in both cups playing against top Premier League teams. We’re not scared of that so let’s see.
“There are a lot of good names in the hat and I’m just delighted that we’re in it because days like this are special. We brought 2,500 fans today and we saw the bounce through the game. That’s what football is all about.”