POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: Morris believes Rams have ‘tipped momentum’ in their favour

Carlton Morris described Derby County registering their first point of the 2025/26 Sky Bet Championship season on Friday evening as ‘huge’.

Derby hit back late on to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Bristol City at Pride Park Stadium.

Scott Twine put the Robins ahead in the first half, but striker Morris struck late on, his third goal in as many games in the league, to earn John Eustace’s side a hard-fought draw.

Derby had started the campaign with a 3-1 loss at Stoke City on the opening day and a 5-3 reverse in their first home outing against Coventry City last weekend.

Despite not claiming any points, there were encouraging signs on display in both matches and the Rams had got themselves in front against both the Potters and the Sky Blues.

The clash against Bristol City was Derby’s second from their opening three outings against a side that finished in the second tier’s top six last term and the team showed a strong mentality to bounce back and earn themselves a point.

Reacting straight after the final whistle, Morris told Sky Sports: “It is huge (to get the first point of the season). I have been around this level for a long time, and I know how important it is.

“The Championship, in my opinion, is as strong as ever. It is going to be a battle at times and that’s the type of display we’re going to have to put on to get points on the board.

“This division is relentless and that is why I love it so much. It is about momentum, and we’ve tipped it on our favour by getting off the mark at home against a very good side.”

On his goal, Morris added: “An old striker always told me early in my career that you’ll get one chance, no matter how bad the game is going for you.

“I have kept that mentality throughout my career. Joe Ward did great to get on the end of the cross and it was my job to anticipate the goalkeeper tapping it into my path.”