Jackett taking positives

Clough blames weather for lack of quality in stalemate

Last Updated: February 11, 2012 7:17pm

Sky Bet

Millwall boss Kenny Jackett claimed a goalless home draw against Derby was a point gained as the Lions look to keep themselves clear of the relegation zone in the Championship.

The game rarely flickered into life as both sides struggled to get a stranglehold on proceedings - a fact underlined by the total of just three shots on target.

The point may prove vital for Millwall come the end of the season though and Jackett felt his side were the better team.

"It is not a bad result at all. There is some frustration because obviously you want to win but when you look at the table it looks like a point gained," he said.

"We had a lot of pressure on a very resolute Derby defence and couldn't convert that into the goals we needed.

"We were rarely in trouble at the back but second half it was wave after wave and the play was pretty much all in the Derby half."

Jackett also praised the Derby defenders and admitted he was wary that the visitors could catch his team on the break if they committed too many men forward.

"The Derby centre halves defended very well but at times in the final third we put the ball in too early and perhaps too predictably," he said.

"You have to make sure when you are on top that you can keep the back door shut because sides like Derby County are good at playing 4-5-1 and soaking it up - like they did and you always have to watch on the counter attack that you don't give a goal away."

Clough reaction

Derby counterpart Nigel Clough felt the conditions played their part in stopping the qualities of both teams coming through as the fixture survived the weather to go ahead.

"It was difficult to do that (play good football) on the surface today for both teams," he said.

"It was bobbly and the ball was bouncing around there around everyone's head and throats at times, but both teams tried to get it down and play in quite difficult conditions."

Derby should have opened the scoring in the first half but Craig Bryson squandered a fantastic chance when he shot wide from six yards after Millwall goalkeeper David Forde palmed Jamie Ward's effort straight into his path and remained prone on the ground.

While Clough admitted Bryson should have netted he was happy with his team's performance.

"The only difference between this and the couple on wins we have had on the road - the Hull game and the Blackpool game - where we nicked 1-0 wins and looked solid, that was what was missing today - the goal," he said.

"We had arguably the two best chances with Ball's and then obviously Craig Bryson's."