Huddlestone: Slow Start Cost Us

Derby County midfielder Tom Huddlestone believes that slow starts to both halves cost them during their 2-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.

Goals from Lucas Joao either side of half-time ended the Rams’ 12-match unbeaten streak in the league and it was their first loss on the road in the league since September.

Both of Joao’s strikes came early in each half and Huddlestone believes that was what cost their side in the match.

Speaking to RamsTV, Huddlestone said: “We started both halves of the game a little bit sloppy; coming out in the second half especially, we were the same.

“We give it as good a go as we could for 15 minutes and tried to get their fans out of the game, but they make it 2-0 early in the second half and then it is obviously a battle from there.”

Prior to kick-off, the unbeaten run in the league dated back to November and Huddlestone explained how it is important for Derby to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

“That’s what the manager said afterwards.”

He continued: “Obviously its two sloppy goals, we are not accustomed to those mistakes, but we’ve been on a decent run where we are up in the top three in the league and it is not a coincidence, that is through hard work.

“We have still got 14 games left of hard work and there are still a lot of points to play for and we won’t be giving up anytime soon.”

Next up for the Rams is the clash against Leeds United at Pride Park Stadium next Wednesday (21st February).

With Derby not in action at the weekend, Huddlestone believes that it will give them extra preparation time ahead of the visit of Paul Heckingbottom’s side.