Liam Rosenior felt Derby County’s Carabao Cup success at Mansfield Town on Tuesday night was ‘a proper cup tie’.
Derby were 2-1 winners to progress to Round Two of the competition before a crowd of almost 7,000 supporters across the East Midlands, with almost 1,700 offering their backing to Rosenior’s side from the away end.
An own goal from Mansfield defender Elliott Hewitt had the Rams in front at the break in an exciting opening 45 minutes at the One Call Stadium.
Oli Hawkins equalised for Nigel Clough’s side, who hit the woodwork in either half, as the League Two side came out flying after half-time and Derby had to weather a heavy spell of pressure.
On 69 minutes Derby were ahead again when two substitute combined within seven minutes of coming on, with Nathaniel Mendez-Laing going down the right and crossing to the far post for Tom Barkhuizen to head in his first goal since signing from Preston North End last month from close range.
Mansfield had Jordan Bowery sent off for hauling down James Collins when the Rams’ striker was clear on goal, while Derby survived a late scare with Eiran Cashin clearing an effort from Hewitt off the line.
Rosenior spoke to RamsTV after the final whistle to discuss his side’s display, the positives he saw in Derby’s performance and why a number of players that came into the starting line-up have offered him food for thought as the focus turns to Saturday’s League One clash against Barnsley at Pride Park Stadium.
On Progression To Round Two Of The Carabao Cup…
I am really pleased to get through. I thought Mansfield were outstanding, especially in the second half, and it was a proper cup tie. It was enjoyable and in terms of a cup game, I thought it was brilliant. Both teams played their part and I’m delighted to get through to the next round.
On A Proper Cup Tie…
We have to remember that a lot of the players who started the game, that is their first 90 minutes. Even in pre-season they didn’t get those 90 minutes, so I’m delighted with their attitude and character. I felt second half Mansfield got the upper hand in terms of territory and balls into our box but what is pleasing for me is that I am able to see quality on the bench, whether that be in the league or in the cup and that’s important.
On The Game Itself…
I thought we were really good in the first half. There were a few sloppy moments too. We are trying to play out from the back so we are going to make mistakes but our first goal came from playing out from the back so I’m not going to change how we play. We just need to get better at it. When we did get better at it, we dominated and controlled the game. We had chances to score and it was a really good goal. It was a great goal, an own goal in the end, but a great run from Sibs and that comes from being brave.
On The Substitutes Making An Impact…
The game was crying out for Barkhuizen and Mendez-Laing. We played with a diamond for the first time so credit to the players for the way they played in that. I wanted to see a different shape without the ball and I just felt we lacked natural width and pace so I made the double change in terms of bringing those two on. Sometimes you get it right and sometimes you get it wrong but fortunately they combined to score a really good winning goal and then we had a lot of chances after that and didn’t take them. We gave sloppy free-kicks away and we have to cut that out moving forward but overall I am delighted with the application of the players and we will now give them a rest and get ready for the game on Saturday against Barnsley.
On Players Giving Him Food For Thought…
I’m absolutely delighted for Jake Rooney. First of all, he came in as a trialist and earned his contract. We were delighted with him as first team staff, the Academy staff are delighted to have him and he has a great character and he’s deserved his chance. I’m not scared to put young players in. We have done that for a long time now and we will continue to do it at the right time. For his debut, I was really pleased and I want a competitive squad. I’ve been saying it throughout pre-season. I want players to be disappointed to not start, but not show that disappointment the wrong way. I thought every player did that today.
On The Atmosphere…
It was perfect for our preparation moving forward this season. For our supporters to sell out the away end, it is incredible. I am really thankful and the players are grateful too. We have got an unbelievable fanbase and support. To fill out that end makes a real difference. I’m delighted that they came, they were so loud and hopefully that continues throughout the season.
On Barnsley On Saturday…
It’s going to be a difficult game. We’ve dropped three points, at Charlton last weekend, which I’m not happy about but hopefully we get the three points on Saturday which would put us in a really good position and would be a good solid start to the season.
