Post-Match Verdict: Paul Warne Vs Oxford United (A)

Derby County Head Coach Paul Warne was delighted to get back to winning ways with the 3-2 victory over Oxford United in Sky Bet League One on Saturday.

Warne made five changes following the 2-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle in midweek and one of those, Louie Sibley, bagged himself a brace make sure of the win for the Rams while an own-goal from Sam Long, diverting James Collins' header into his own net, also added to Derby's tally at the Kassam Stadium.

Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Warne gave his verdict on Sibley's performance and an all important three points.

On the reaction from his squad...

It is a good win. It was difficult for many reasons coming here but the pitch was lively as anything and we didn't have as much control as we would like. In League One sometimes it isn't about that though, it's about scoring goals and defending resolutely.

All the lads were together and all the lads on the bench were screaming encouragement to their team mates. It felt like a real squad effort which pleases me.

On the test of going behind early on...

Instead of going in the lead we might as well let them have one and then have a go!

Was it an amazing performance? No. You're not going to away from home at times; it's just about doing the right thing and nine times out of 10 we did. There's times when we should have cleared it or played forwards earlier, but it pleases me that we kept it simple in difficult situations.

On Louie Sibley's performance...

He did really well and he had a really hard job out of possession; he was marking their best player. He deserved his two goals and I'm really pleased for him. The best players can play in different positions and give it their all and Sibs did that today.

On scoring from crosses...

I'm really pleased for Collo if it is his goal, his work rate was a joke and on another day he might have got the odd free-kick but it wasn't to be. Cross, goal. I love a cross.

On the changes made today...

It's a squad game and it's going to take everyone to get to where we want to be. Sometimes we just need to freshen it up and I'm really pleased with the lads who came in.

The team had a bit of a shaky start and Curtis Davies won a load of headers in the second half that were fundamental to the success of the performance.

Tony Springett was great on the left, he's like a good old fashioned can of coke - full sugar.

I think we'll play a lot better and lose this season so the fact we've played at that level today and won is really pleasing.

On Jason Knight and David McGoldrick's injuries...

Knighty is telling me he'll be able to play next week, but he'd say that if his leg had fallen off. Didzy is the same in fairness. With everything that has been said to me, both of them have got a really good chance of being availble for Fleetwood at home next week.

On the travelling fans...

I really appreciate them. I presume the ones that went to Plymouth came here and if they chose Plymouth over this one, they are crazy! I think both they and us were a bit shellshocked by our start today but as the game got going they got better and better. As always I really appreciate them, they make a massive difference when you're struggling or winning. It's a joy to manage this club.