Phillip Cocu admitted he was frustrated that Derby County had to settle for a share of the spoils as they played out a 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town at Pride Park Stadium.
Derby took the lead just after the hour mark through Tom Lawrence’s superb long-range strike as they chased a sixth successive home win in all competitions.
However, despite going close to a second goal through Martyn Waghorn, the Rams couldn’t hold on as Harry Toffolo equalised for the visitors with nine minutes of normal time remaining.
Cocu felt his side just needed the all-important second goal, which would have all-but secured another three points on home turf in the Sky Bet Championship, but was instead disappointed with the way his side allowed the Terriers back into the game.
Speaking to RamsTV after the final whistle, Cocu said: “It was a tough game and it is another one unbeaten at home but I think we had to win it.
“We have to give some credit to Huddersfield. They played well, defended well and they had a lot of aggression.
“In the first 10-15 minutes we couldn’t find the openings we wanted, so we had to play more balls in behind. I decided to put Duane Holmes in the midfield and Martyn Waghorn on the right so Duane could fill in positioning in the pockets and create more.
“From that moment I think we got into the game and created more chances. We took more initiative and had control over the game.
“It was difficult to get a lot of chances on goal because Huddersfield defended very well but we had a few and finally got a great goal from a set piece from Tom Lawrence. From that point, our confidence increased.
“Waghorn was close to getting the second goal, which would have decided the game. We then conceded an equaliser which we should have done better with and later on Kelle Roos saved us from going 2-1 down which would have been harsh.”
Cocu was forced into two changes during the 90 minutes due to injury.
Duane Holmes was withdrawn in the first half, while Andre Wisdom was also replaced late on.
The Derby boss says the duo will have their fitness assessed at the start of next week to learn the full extent of their injuries.
He said: “With Holmes, it is an ankle issue. He got a kick and then twisted so we need to probably scan him on Monday.
“Andre had some tightness in his hamstring, so if that’s the case we will expect him back soon. We will see on Monday how he feels, if he feels better then he can start up training. If not, then we will get him a scan as well.”
