Post-Match Verdict: James Collins Vs MK Dons (A)

Derby County striker James Collins was delighted to be able to get on the score-sheet in front of over 6,500 travelling fans on Saturday afternoon.

The Rams' top scorer bagged his sixth of the season in the 3-1 victory over MK Dons at Stadium MK as Derby moved into the Sky Bet League One play-off places, with Haydon Roberts and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing also finding the net.

Speaking to RamsTV after the final whistle, he spoke of his delight at getting the win and the feeling of scoring in front of that incredible away following.

On the performance…

We made it difficult for ourselves going 1-0 down, but we reacted really well. We scored pretty much straight away with a great header from Haydon and to go on and win in front of 6,500 fans on the road is special.

On his goal…

It was amazing. The fans have been great with me since I’ve come in and to score in front of them – I had all my family here as well – you’ve got to make the most of those moments.

I was offside to be fair but it was their lad that headed it into my pat. The linesman didn’t see it so I’ve got to give the referee credit for getting it right too.

On Roberts’ goal changing the momentum…

To equalise straight away and go in at 1-1 at half-time, we got to start fresh again. We knew if we could get our press better and show a bit more energy, then we’d have a chance. It’s been tough though, we’ve had a lot of games on the road. Our energy levels in the second half were loads better and we showed what a good side we are.

On the tough schedule…

We’re on the road every couple of days at the minute and the lads are churning out 90 minutes all of the time. There’s lads playing out of position; it’s just a real squad effort at the minute and we just need to get through Tuesday against Torquay in the FA Cup and Friday at Portsmouth in the league - and then have a nice little break. It is two more big pushes and we’ll go from there.

On the defensive resilience of the team…

They’ve all been great. Joe Wildsmith in goal has been outstanding in the last few games; he made a great save in the first-half too. Fozzy has been outstanding and looks like he suits that role in the middle. I’m delighted for Jake Rooney too. It was his first league start and he’s a great kid as well; he really wants to learn and he’ll have a good career.

On Tuesday night against Torquay in the FA Cup…

It will be nice to be back at Pride Park. It’s probably a game we didn’t really need but it’s another game under the lights and we need to get out there and do the job to get into Round Two.