The players were fantastic and the crowd were just as good

Last updated : 25 April 2004 By Tony Scholes

That was the case although Derby manager George Burley was impressed with the attitude shown by his players despite the fact that they came out on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline.

"It is bitterly disappointing to come here and have the majority of the possession, create some good chances and still end up with nothing," said Burley after the game.

"We started very positively and were bright throughout but the key thing was that we were unable to put the ball into the back of the net.

"But I cannot fault the lads’s spirit and determination. We fought for the cause and in my view we were the better team and that is what hurts most.

"We have to pick ourselves up now and work hard in training this week with a view to playing well and beating Millwall at Pride Park next Saturday. We have two games left and need to get as many points as possible to give ourselves the best possible chance of staying in this division."

Stan was, like the rest of us, relieved after the win. "It was very good today but we still have some work to do yet," he said after the three points took us to his revised target.

"I am a lot happier today than I was before Tuesday’s game and I thought we just shaded it. We’ve won two games back to back which hasn’t happened much this season.

"I did think Derby were excellent though and it will be no consolation to George but I do think they will stay up. They have some extremely good players and we had a break or two in an excellent game of football.

"We showed grit and determination and could have scored three goals in the first half but so could they, it was hard work for the players and energy sapping."

Stan made special comment about the fans and the atmosphere inside the ground. "The atmosphere was fantastic today. The players were fantastic and the crowd were just as good and it is a good day for them. I thought we were determined and deserved it."