Rowett: We Were The Better Side

Gary Rowett believed that Derby County were the better side against Bristol City on Friday night at Pride Park Stadium, but he lamented the missing edge in front of goal that prevented his team from taking all three points.

The Rams dominated the chances but couldn’t find the crucial winner, and the frustration was compounded as referee Darren England booked debutant Cameron Jerome for simulation after the striker appeared to have been fouled inside the penalty area.

Rowett felt that his team deserved the win, but he couldn’t fault the performance of his players.

He told RamsTV: “We were the better side on the night, there’s no doubt about that. We had some really good spells and missed a lot of chances against a very, very good side in this division.

“When you look back and see Johnny’s free-kick, Vyds’ free-kick and we had another couple of good chances as well.”

On the penalty appeal, he said: “Whatever way you look at it, whichever angle you look at, it’s an absolute stonewall penalty. I don’t think anyone could have complained if we tucked that away and won 1-0.

“That’s the way it goes. The referee hasn’t intentionally got it wrong, but he has got it wrong and unfortunately, it’s cost us the chance to win the game at the end.

“It’s why we brought Cameron in, he has that real physical presence and willingness, and it’s a stonewall penalty.”

The Rams were beaten soundly in their last meeting with Lee Johnson’s side, as the Robins came from behind to win 4-1 at Ashton Gate.

“It was a fantastic effort from the players. If you look at how much we’ve improved as a team and how good we look compared to that 4-1 defeat earlier in the season,” he said.

“We’re a tough side to play against but what is so brilliant for me is that we’ve created so many chances in every game.

“We’re pleased with the way that the team looks, their attitude every single game has been superb and once again we were the better side but we couldn’t find the chances that we have in the last six or seven games.”

Rowett confirmed to RamsTV that, with Derby not due to play again until Tuesday 30th January when they head to Millwall, the squad are to fly out for a warm-weather training camp abroad on Saturday for a few days.