3/1 To Win
Cameron Cresswell says that Derby County Under-23s’ young squad will continue to battle after falling to their first defeat of the season against Leicester City on Monday night.
Two first half goals secured the points at Pride Park Stadium for the visitors against a Derby side that was much changed from the win at Chelsea after a number of the more experienced squad members secured loan deals last week.
Timi Elsnik, Callum Guy, Kellan Gordon and Chris Martin all secured temporary moves to play in the EFL, whilst captain Alex Babos departed for Real Union.
Cresswell led the line for Darren Wassall’s side, and despite defeat, the forward was optimistic about what the future will hold for the team.
He told RamsTV: “In pre-season we have had a lot of players that were looking to go out on loan, but now there is an opportunity for the younger players in the team.
“We now need to take the opportunity and keep fighting to get ourselves into the team.”
From Derby’s point of view, the goals conceded on the night were sloppy, and the two-goal deficit proved too much to overturn, even after an improved second half performance.
Cresswell felt that the side showed a strong mentality as they attempted to fight their way back into the game.
“We’re disappointed because we know that we have let two avoidable goals in from set pieces,” the 18-year-old explained.
“We showed good character in the second half and we had some half chances, but when you concede sloppy goals, you are always battling.
“We didn’t start that badly, but we conceded the two goals. We had to keep getting on the ball and dictate the game, and I think that we did that in the second half.
“We were camped in their half and we tried to break them down but when you concede those two goals in the first half, it gives them an incentive to put 11 men behind the ball.
“It makes it harder for us and gives them the opportunity to counter.”
Cresswell displayed his commitment to the cause early in the first half when he clashed heads with Leicester’s Callum Elder, with both players fortunate enough to continue after lengthy treatment.
He said: “It’s a bit rough now. At the time it was one of those where you just had to go for the ball.
“It hurts but it’s something that you’ve got to get through. Both players went in and sometimes it just happens.”
