Derby County head coach Paul Warne has admitted that his side should have come away with all three points at Fratton Park on Tuesday night in what was a major title clash.
The Rams travelled to the English south coast yesterday, hoping to take all three points back to Derbyshire. And it looked like Warne’s men were going to do just that as a Joe Ward brace in the first half put Derby 2-1 in front.
However, with less than 15 minutes remaining of normal time, former Carlisle United man Owen Moxon found himself in space at the edge of the penalty area. Not one to shy away from letting rip, the January signing unleashed a thunderous strike which sailed past Joe Wildsmith in the visitor’s net.
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Ultimately, the spoils were shared in a result that benefited Pompey more so than Derby County who have already fallen five points behind the table toppers. Furthermore, Warne’s men have played an extra game than Portsmouth.
Speaking after the match, Derby boss Warne admitted that he was disappointed with the manner of the dropped points as he felt that Portsmouth had “run out of ideas” prior to Moxon’s sensational long-range goal [quotes via Derbyshire Live]:
“I was just disappointed that we dropped two points from a 30-yard screamer. I felt like it got to the stage where they sort of run out of ideas,” he said.
A lot of balls in behind ran out for goal kicks and the lads defended the box really well.
We always looked dangerous on the counter. We might have got the third elusive goal, which would have maybe done enough to win it, but I feel nothing but pride but that point could be massive come the end.”
Writer’s View
The race isn’t over for certain. However, Derby County missed a huge opportunity to claw back three points on Portsmouth as the Rams now have just four games left to play. Pompey still have to face Bolton Wanderers this month which would have made a two-point gap very tasty for the Pride Park club.
Nevertheless, it’s out of Derby’s hands. While Warne and his players will have wanted to lift the crown at the end of the season, they may need to settle for second place, with some highly winnable fixtures on the horizon.
