"A Draw Was A Fair Result"

Manager Frank Lampard felt a draw was a fair result as the points were shared at Deepdale as Preston North End and Derby County battled out a goalless draw on Friday night.

The Rams were forced to withstand some pressure from the home side, especially in the second half, but had the better chances in the game.

Harry Wilson struck both the post and the crossbar in the first half with long range strikes, whilst Tom Lawrence and Duane Holmes both had chances to win the game for Lampard’s side.

Preston did push the Rams all the way, with Kelle Roos in fine form in goal, but the manager was pleased to pick up a point on the road.

“That’s what you need to do in this league,” he told RamsTV.

“It was a difficult match for us. Friday night, cold conditions, the pitch not really conducive for football to a degree but no excuses - it was a tough game.

“In the first half I thought we controlled it as it went on. Set-pieces were our only issue and we hit the post and bar.

“In the second half Preston came on strong and we had to be resolute, particularly defending around our box and in the end we get a clean sheet and that’s good.

“Their efforts came from second balls and set-piece stuff so both teams had a fair crack at it today and a draw was a fair result from our point of view. It was a tough match but we will take the point.”

The Rams did have to call on Roos in the second half and the manager praised his goalkeeper for another impressive showing between the posts.

“Kelle made some good saves and some good blocks,” he said.

“There was pressure in the second half and they set out to do that and stick balls in our box. You need your goalkeeper to be brave and strong and have quality and he did it.”

Lampard was forced to make some changes to his squad for the trip to Deepdale - but is hoping to welcome a couple of players back into the fold for the game against Hull City next weekend.

“Martyn Waghorn picked up a strong dead leg at the end of the first half and was struggling in the second half,” he commented.

“It was a change to make to bring on legs. He couldn’t move and we were a bit short so it was important to get Mason on.

“Jack Marriott has been ill and has an injury so he is out of it. Jayden Bogle was suspended for this game and we know we have some issues injury wise. We have had them throughout the season and you have to manage them.

“You can’t cry about them and people that come in have to give everything. I thought those that came in did give everything, our quality was down at points but we gave everything.”