Post-Match Verdict: James Chester Vs Port Vale (H)

Defender James Chester bemoaned Derby County’s mistakes following their 2-1 Sky Bet League One defeat to Port Vale at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.

The Rams got off to a flyer thanks to James Collins netting his third goal in two games inside five minutes - and they took that lead into the break after Tom Conlon fluffed his lines from a contentiously awarded penalty with a quarter of an hour played.

But the tide turned after the interval, when Conor Hourihane was penalised for handball and referee Sam Allison pointed to the spot for a second time. This time, the Valiants made no mistake as the dangerous Ellis Harrison converted from 12 yards.

Things didn’t get better for Derby as, moments later, goalscorer Collins received his marching orders for violent conduct, after a free-kick had been given against him in the Port Vale box.

James Wilson, who spent time on loan with the Rams in 2016 from Manchester United, fired home from the edge of the area on 66 minutes to complete the turnaround for Darrell Clarke’s side, and condemn Paul Warne to his first defeat as Derby’s Head Coach.

Following the final whistle, Chester spoke to RamsTV to discuss the main talking points from a heated afternoon.

On the display…

We created enough chances in the first half to perhaps be out of sight and I felt we started the second half quite well, too. I think we gave away too many set pieces and long throw-ins, and then the pressure mounted and we made mistakes with the penalty and sending off. That took its toll with the result.

On the games big decisions…

We certainly don’t think the first one was a penalty. The second blatantly was and there are no arguments about that. I’ve not seen the red card back but there’s some frustration from ourselves around some of the big decisions in their box which could have gone either way. I’m sure these things will even themselves out over the course of the season, though. We’re disappointed today but remain confident in what we’ve got in the dressing room and feel like we can bounce back quickly.

On the fighting spirit in the camp…

If you’re going to throw the towel in as a professional footballer, you may as well give up. The boss spoke to us in the changing room after the game and was pleased with the energy and commitment we showed. When you go down to ten men and are chasing the game, it becomes a bit erratic and you lose some of the good things you’ve been doing up to that point. We’re pleased that we continued to push and when you do that, you’re only a set piece or a decision away from getting something.