3/1 To Win
Manager Wayne Rooney was pleased with his side’s performance despite losing 2-0 against AFC Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, but he was yet again left frustrated by the match officials who failed to award his side a first half penalty.
The Rams’ boss was left aggrieved after midfielder Ravel Morrison was caught in the penalty box by Bournemouth defender Leif Davis in the first half, but referee Andy Madley waved away the strong penalty protests.
The home side would eventually go on to score the opening goal of the game deep into first half stoppage time through Dominic Solanke, but again, Rooney was displeased with the officiating in the build up to the goal.
The Cherries would make the points safe in the final minute of normal time as substitute Jamal Lowe fired home from close range to seal all three points for Scott Parker’s side.
But, after the game, the Rams’ boss could not hide his frustration as the Rams fell to another defeat on the road.
“I thought the performance was excellent,” Rooney told RamsTV. “In the first half there wasn't too much in it but it was important that we stayed in the game and we were competitive.
“I thought we did that really well in the first half and then to try and go and win the game in the second half.
“I don’t want to keep making excuses. It’s a clear penalty on Ravel Morrison and their goal is a foul on Lee Buchanan and the throw-in is taken from the wrong position. It’s disappointing.”
He added: “I’ve told the referee that it’s not good enough. There are moments in games where referees don’t make decisions or they do make decision but I feel today it has cost us.
“I think we were in a good place, though. I was planning on the changes I was going to make in the second half in terms of how to win the game and then the goal kills us. We have to defend it better because we can’t rely on referees giving decisions.
“That’s details that I’ll go through with the players but ultimately if the officials are making the decisions then it’s not good enough. I’m not going to put any complaints about it because nothing comes of it, so we’ll see what happens.”
The Rams did have a spell in the second half where they threatened an equaliser. Lee Buchanan was denied by Mark Travers, as was Morrison as Derby took the game to their hosts, but they just couldn’t make the breakthrough.
“We gambled a little bit in the second half,” Rooney said. “We tried to press the game and Bournemouth struggled to get out.
“We were controlling the game but we were just lacking that final pass or final goal to get back in it so it’s frustrating and disappointing but what I can say is that the lads have given everything.
“We are still in with a chance of staying in the division.
“It's a chance missed today but we’re still there. We will stay there until someone tells us otherwise.”
The manager also singled out praise for two youngsters who have stepped up to the first team in recent weeks.
“I think Eiran Cashin has been incredible,” he admitted. “He has come in and, once again today, he’s been incredible. His performances are way beyond his years.
“He deserves the praise as does Malcolm Ebiowei who did well and was dangerous. Even though it’s a defeat, I can stand here and be down and upset, but I am pleased with the players' performance.
“It’s not what we wanted but we go again and we have another chance on Tuesday at Blackburn. It will be a tough game, Blackburn are a good team but we have to stay positive, keep performing and hopefully Tuesday is that day where we get that win away from home.”
