I think 2-2 was a fair reflection, but Derby played really well. They weren't naive and Billy will be really chuffed with 2-2 on the opening day against a really good Portsmouth side.

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Derby 2-2 Portsmouth
Soccer Saturday verdict

Charlie Nicholas was happy to hand Derby County their day in the sunshine as they began life back in the Premiership with a well-earned point.

Derby boss Billy Davies tipped his side to struggle before the big kick-off against Portsmouth in a frank interview with Soccer Saturday.

And although his compatriot still fancies the Rams to make an instant return to the Championship, he felt they were well worth an opening-day point.

"Derby were very good today," said Nicholas.

"I liked the way they played in spells, because a lot of newcomers come and either go full throttle or sit so deep that they don't get any support for the forwards from midfield.

"I have to pay compliment to both teams. But the better credit will go to the newcomers.

"Their midfield four was interchanging all the time, (Craig) Fagan was coming in from the left to the right, Pearson who is predominantly a strong left-sided player was prepared to stretch it and of course, they opened the scoring through Matt Oakley, who doesn't get many."

Oakley's goal was cancelled out by Benjani and then overturned by a debut strike from Pompey's John Utaka seven minutes from time.

It seemed that would be enough to inflict the Derby defeat many expected, but Andy Todd pounced a minute later to ensure the Pride Park faithful and their manager were a little more optimistic after the game.

"I think 2-2 was a fair reflection, but Derby played really well," said Nicholas. "They weren't naive and Billy will be really chuffed with 2-2 on the opening day against a really good Portsmouth side.

"We got an honest appraisal of his team before kick-off and I know a couple of us thought 'why's he saying that?' but what he's doing is being realistic.

"Some people talk their players up, but looking at that team they're still looking to add a couple of players to it.

"There's no doubt they've got the adrenalin and the support going and the away games are going to be tough for them, but today they scored two goals.

"It's still understandable that a lot of people - me included - think they will go down, but this was a good start for them."