Midfielder Ben Osborn admitted to feeling ‘emotional and a bit overwhelmed’ after getting his first league win as a Derby County player at Pride Park Stadium on Saturday.
The Rams secured a hard-won three points on home soil against Middlesbrougb as Kayden Jackson’s first half goal was enough, with a steely defensive display keeping Middlesbrough at bay in a 1-0 victory.
Osborn spoke to RamsTV after the win to speak about his expectations of playing in front of a full home crowd for the first time, his emotions at the full-time whistle and the team holding firm despite injuries.
On his first league start at Pride Park Stadium…
It was amazing when that final whistle went. The atmosphere was unbelievable from the start. We got the early goal and then, to be fair, it gave me so much energy. To soak it all in at the end was emotional and a bit overwhelming, to be fair.
We were a bit frustrated with how it went in the opening game against Blackburn, and we were eager to get some points on the board and especially as a team coming up from League One. I was just gearing towards the first game of the season, really, and that was a lot to take in. But this morning when I woke up, I knew it was going to be more or less a sell-out.
I needed to just focus on the outcome a bit more than the process. I love going out there and just warming up in front of everyone; seeing people that I know in the crowd. And the game, I love it. I love working together. I love playing. But beforehand, I knew I wouldn't be able to enjoy it unless we got a good result!
On needing the win to 'kick-start' the season…
We knew it was going to be a really tough game today, especially after Middlesbrough's last two fixtures. But to get a win, it's going to do us a world of good. I'm just glad they (the fans) can enjoy the weekend.
We knew our chances were going to come from counter-attacks, but we probably didn't expect it to come so early. Obviously, it was a mistake from them, but Kayden took it amazingly. With the timing of it, it did naturally make us drop a little bit more and be a bit more defensive because we had something to hold on to. However, we ended up defending really well.
On holding out to defend despite forced changes…
Cash started the game really well but with concussion, you just can't risk it. With Sonny coming in, he's really confident he's going to do a great job. He was amazing when he came on and then in the second half there were a lot of tired bodies out there.
When you can bring Ebou Adams on with his legs and energy, he gives you a little lift. - as do all the lads. It has just been a great team effort from everyone. Everyone, to a man, did their job.
