Craig Short believes the performance of Derby County’s Under-23s was somewhat more deserving than a 2-0 defeat away from home at Chelsea on Friday night in Premier League 2 - Division 1.
Under the floodlights of Stamford Bridge, the home of the Premier League champions, both sides cancelled each other out during the first 45 minutes.
Chelsea, though, were quick out of the blocks in the second half and a 64th minute goal from Reece James put the hosts ahead.
Emil Riis Jakobsen had an opportunity to net an equaliser for the Rams late on, but his effort hit the crossbar and it proved to be a late turning point.
Derby had Calum Macdonald sent off for a second bookable offence soon afterwards, before Luke McCormick added a second to Chelsea’s tally late on.
Reflecting on the game, Under-23s assistant coach Short told RamsTV: “It was harsh for the lads and I felt for them at the end as we were pushing for the equaliser.
“I thought we competed well all game and Chelsea looked like they had a bit of a telling off at half time, as they came at us in the second half.
“We didn’t look as though we got back into the game after half-time and it was disappointing to concede the first goal from a set piece.
“We talk a lot about them and if you go away to a top club and you work hard to make sure they don’t cut you open in normal play, you don’t want to concede from a set play.
“The lads were so good from set-pieces as well last year and it’s an important part of the game.
“We were really pleased with how we responded to going behind and we created some chances. We did that against Arsenal on Monday as well.”
Regulars such as Kyron Stabana, Alex Babos and Jakobsen impressed for Darren Wassall’s side, while the presence of first team players such as George Thorne and Jason Shackell also played a key part in Derby’s strong defensive display.
Short added: “There were some pleasing performances; Kyron Stabana did well and both Alex Babos and Emil Riis Jakobsen looked a threat.
“We showed plenty of spirit and coming to a place like his, where I am sure there were a few nerves before the game, we’re proud of them.
“Emil always gets a chance in a game and he could have had a hat-trick against Arsenal. He is an excellent finisher in training but it is always harder taking that into a game situation. He could have scored but overall what he has improved in the last six months is his all-round play.
“He has really improved in the last six months. He, like any striker, is disappointed to miss chances.
“It helped in the first half having people like George Thorne and Jason Shackell in there. You could hear Jason organising the lads and he looked very calm in possession as well.”
