Derby assistant head coach Richie Barker praised his team’s response to adversity after they came from behind to beat Chesterfield 2-1 in the Carabao Cup first round.
Armando Dobra put Chesterfield ahead against the run of play in the 29th minute but Derby hit back to equalise through Liam Thompson’s shot from the edge of the box in the 38th minute.
Derby spurned chances in the second half, with Kenzo Goudmijn rattling the underside of the bar, before Kayden Jackson scored his first Rams goal in the 68th minute.
A corner broke to Jackson, whose close-range shot struck goalkeeper Ryan Boot and spun over the line.
Barker said: “Really pleased with the performance first half, we were pretty much in control of it. The goal came against the run of play really so fair play to the lads for picking themselves up again.
“I thought for a couple of minutes they lost their way a little bit and looked like they were feeling sorry for themselves but they grew back into it and I thought in the second half we should have won the game more comfortably.”
Chesterfield assistant manager Danny Webb hailed his side’s performance.
He said: “I thought we frustrated them and played the way the manager wants us to play which is pleasing.
“It’s nice to stand here relatively proud of the performance. I see that development from the last game to tonight and the understanding amongst the players. They want to learn and play good football.”
