Full back Craig Forsyth admitted to feeling disappointed as Derby County fell to a 3-1 home defeat against Bristol City - but he was also pleased to register his third league goal of the campaign.
The defender steamed in at the back post to head home on the hour mark, but the damage was already done as Bristol City found themselves two goals ahead following strikes from former Ram Andreas Weimann and Antoine Semenyo in the first half.
Timm Klose made sure of the points in the final 10 minutes of the game as Derby fell to only their fourth home defeat of the campaign.
Derby had a much-changed starting XI with manager Wayne Rooney opting to experiment with his side after relegation was confirmed on Easter Monday.
Forsyth, who was one of six changes for the game against the Robins, felt the Rams didn’t move the ball quickly enough.
“There were a few changes and some young boys making their debuts, but we still wanted to go out, put a show on and do it the right way,” he told RamsTV.
“Unfortunately the goals we have given away today have cost us. There were a few chances to get back in the game but we’ve not taken them so it’s a disappointing day really.
“It was a slightly strange atmosphere knowing there was nothing on the game as such, but we still wanted to play with pride and have a bit of respect.
“We tried but we didn’t move it quick enough and it’s cost us today.”
The defender was in the right place at the right time to head home a cross from Malcolm Ebiowei to reduce the arrears and score his third goal of the campaign.
It’s been Forsyth’s most prolific season in front of goal for the Rams and he is pleased with his goals return.
“It’s something that has been encouraged to do since the first day of pre-season, to get high and get around the back post and get chances and thankfully I’ve managed to get my head on three this season,” he said.
The Derby supporters continued to back the team in their numbers as more then 22,000 were in attendance at Pride Park Stadium this afternoon.
Forsyth, in his ninth season with the club, could not praise the Derby fans enough for their continued backing.
“I’ve said previously that in the stadium on a Saturday afernoon or Tuesday night, it’s probably one of the best atmospheres this year,” he commented.
“In comparison to my first year here when we got to the Play-Off Final, it’s on par with that. The fans have stuck with us and stuck with the young boys.
“We’ve made mistakes but everyone has stuck together and I think that has been massive.”