Centre-back Curtis Nelson praised a robust performance that saw Derby County claim their first win away from home in the 2024/25 season against Coventry City in the Sky Bet Championship.
The Rams took a two-goal lead, courtesy of striker Jerry Yates scoring in either half, midway through the second period before Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s goal for the hosts set up a tense ending to the game. However, the Derby defence saw the contest out superly to take the 2-1 victory.
Nelson spoke to RamsTV after a fine away performance gave Derby their just desserts in Coventry.
On getting the first away win and three points on the board…
There is a relief in the dressing room. It's been a long time coming. We are buzzing to get it done, the boys in there are really happy. Three points on the road in a tough game, a very tough game, feels good. Coventry are a strong side and they pushed us all the way, so we are really happy.
There were definitely times when we were under pressure, especially in the final stages. However, we dug in. The boys that came into the team who haven't been starting, you've got Nat Phillips and Liam Thompson and Dajaune Brown, making his full league debut, and then obviously the lads came on late on to see us through. Everyone that came on played their part tonight, which was brilliant for us.
On battling together to take points…
You've got to have a good team spirit to come here and get results. The gaffer says it all the time - he only signs good people. When you've got that togetherness in the changing room, it can take you a long way.
On Jerry Yates scoring a brace for the win…
I'm buzzing for Jez. You know what you’re going to get from him when he gets going: he works his socks off, so he deserves everything he gets.
On a sold out away end fuelling the win…
I'm looking up there and it's crazy how many we've bought here. It’s a shorter trip but for a Wednesday night, fair play to the fans coming out and giving us their backing.