"It Was A Tough And Well Fought Game"

Manager Frank Lampard could not fault the effort of his players following the 2-2 draw against Birmingham City on Good Friday, however, he bemoaned a penalty decision which did not go his side’s way in the second half.

Craig Bryson looked to be tugged back in the penalty area on 74 minutes after Blues goalkeeper Lee Camp spilled Mason Mount’s effort on goal, however, the referee waved away the Rams' protests.

The boss was left frustrated by the non-decision at the final whistle as his side had to settle for a point on the road as Martyn Waghorn and Richard Keogh struck as Derby twice came back from behind.

Despite his frustration, he reserved praise for his players who gave everything in a bid to earn three points.

“It was a tough and well fought game,” he told RamsTV. “It was two different styles and it was difficult for us to play the way we want to play here because they defend as a block, the grass is long and the day is hot and it slows the ball down but I thought the players adapted brilliantly to the game.

“We had to compete in the air, compete for second balls, they had chances but they are going to if they are playing direct into our box a lot. It was a well fought game but the most frustrating thing is we should have had a penalty.

“I hate to go on about these things but it was so clear cut and the referee had a clear view. Even though it was a tight game, I’m pleased with the point in general play but a penalty would have won us the game.

“People talk about it’s swings and roundabouts throughout the season but against Nottingham Forest at home, there was a clear penalty not given, and the feedback from the report two weeks later said it should have been a penalty.

“Brentford was the same a week or so ago. It was clear penalty on Ashley Cole and he admits to us afterwards it should have been a penalty.

“Today, the referee is not admitting it but wait until he sees it and Bryson’s arm gets clearly tugged right in view of the referee, he decides not to give it and if he scores the penalty then we win the game so that’s frustrating for us.

“That six points for us if we would score those penalties would see us in the play-off spots and that’s what we’re striving for.

“We need to rest and not enjoy Easter Bank Holiday too much. There is a lot of desire in the dressing room and that’s why I’m proud of them. People talk about our away form but we came away and gave everything.

“It was a tough match but we’ll have to do that a couple of more times again this season if we are going to get into the play-offs.

“It is still there for us and we have to remember that. I’m bemoaning a penalty but the fact is a point here, at a difficult place to come, is a decent result. We are firmly still in it.”

Striker Waghorn managed to grab his 12th goal of the season with a well-executed lob, whilst captain Keogh headed home his second of the campaign.

“It was a great and classy finish from Waghorn,” Lampard said. “He spotted the goalkeeper off his line and got a great connection on it. It was nice to score from a set piece for Keogh’s goal having given away two goals from set pieces.

“I thought Ashley’s cross was first class and Waghorn’s was a bit more of a punt down the pitch but Waggy was bright to get on it. It was important because when you do concede goals early from set-pieces then you want to react quickly and we managed to react quickly on both.”

Whilst praising his players, the manager also reserved a special mention to the 3,000 Rams supporters who travelled to Birmingham.

“With the away games coming up, if our fans come and give what they gave today then we have half a chance because they were absolutely fantastic,” Lampard commented. “I would have loved to have got three points for them today.

“They were so behind us; we could hear them at the beginning and at the end and I think they respect what the lads give them today and I want to thank them for that. Hopefully we will see them at Bristol and at Swansea which are big journeys for them and try and get the right results.”