Derby County Football Club

• Nickname:The Rams
• Founded:1884
• Manager:Nigel Clough

• Ground:Pride Park
• Capacity:33597

Clough praises Rams efforts

21 Jan 2009 - 10:10:58

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Boss Nigel Clough was upbeat after seeing his Derby County side narrowly miss out on clinching a place in the Carling Cup final.

The Rams were beaten 4-2 in the second leg of their semi-final at Manchester United, meaning that they were edged out 4-3 on aggregate by the reigning Premier League champions.

Clough told the club's official website: "Even in the first half, although they scored three goals, we were quite encouraged by some of our play.

"It was a big improvement on Saturday and we were looking for that.

"The most pleasing thing was to come back out at 3-0 down and do that in the second half.

"To be beaten 4-3 on aggregate by Manchester United is not a mauling, we have lost by the odd goal and if we had got a break you never know.

"We can take a lot of positives and we just sensed that little something in the dressing room, more togetherness and determination, which we are going to need in the next three months."