Derby County defender Curtis Davies was frustrated to come away from Pride Park Stadium with only a point after the 1-1 with Cardiff City.
The Rams took the lead in the first half of the Sky Bet Championship fixture following Martyn Waghorn’s excellent 25-yard free kick, his second goal set piece goal since returning from a calf injury.
Derby dominated the ball and could have extended their advantage, with Waghorn and Tom Lawrence both causing problems for the Cardiff defenders.
However, with only 13 minutes of the game remaining, the Bluebirds managed to find a leveller through striker Kieffer Moore.
It meant the Rams picked up their first point at Pride Park Stadium in the 2020/21 campaign but Davies was disappointed not to take all three.
“We got the lead with a great free kick from Waggy again,” he told RamsTV. “It was another set-piece to score a goal, but it was magical from him. I thought we were reasonably comfortable in the game.
“They did have a chance in the first half when Kieffer Moore had a header off the outside of the post but they rarely threatened us. As the game wore on, we were tyring to get that second goal.
“I think if we were a little bit cuter and maybe got our head up to pass rather than shooting sometimes, or making the right pass. It is easier said, but it is very frustrating.
“To score wonderful goals from free-kicks is brilliant, but we need to try and score from open play as well. We need to see the game out as a defensive unit and a back-line, but also as a team to make sure we don’t let people in like that.
“With all due respect, Kieffer Moore is a big, tall striker and not really the type that should be getting on the shoulder of you and into the box. Unfortunately, he has found the space in the box and finished it really well.
“We are frustrated, but it is another point on the board. We go to Bournemouth on Saturday now and again we have to turn things around really quickly.
“It will be a very tough game down there, but we have to be at it because they are the type of team that if you are not, they will pick you apart. We can’t sulk, we can’t moan, we just have to keep going and hopefully it will come.”
Manager Phillip Cocu introduced recent signing Colin Kazim-Richards in the final 10 minutes and they did continue to push for a winner but fell just short.
“When Colin Kazim-Richards came on, he did well, and with him and Waggy were just inches away from a cross that came in,” Davies continued. “It is just those fine margins that are going against us at the moment.
“I am hoping that the tide turns and we are able to get those little margins. The key thing is, the performances have been a lot better lately and we are looking a lot more solid.
“We haven’t kept a clean sheet which we are disappointed about, but we are looking a lot more solid while still having an impetus in the game. That is the key to it if we continue to have the attacking impetus"
Davies has enjoyed a fruitful return to the squad following his re-introduction at the start of October.
Since the international break, the centre-back has played in all four of Derby’s games and is enjoying the cut and thrust of the hectic Sky Bet Championship schedule.
“I feel better for it,” he admitted. “When you are playing and go game after game, especially in my position, it is a lot easier. You play, you rest, you play you rest.
“Obviously you do little bits in between but not too much. For me, I like that momentum of playing games. You find your form and you try and hold on to that so when the next game comes you are ready for it.
“I am enjoying it at the moment and I am trying to do my best for the team. Hopefully my performances keep improving and everyone else’s performances keep improving and we start winning games.”
