Jewell - We deserved it

Rams boss believes were worthy of a point

Last updated: 1st October 2008

Footballl Premier League Derby Fulham Paul Jewell

Jewell: Praises determination

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Paul Jewell felt Derby County were full value for their point against Birmingham City on Tuesday.

Blues led in the contest thanks to Quincy Owusu-Abeyie's stunning strike, but Steve Davies snatched a later leveller.

Although The Rams were not at their best, Jewell thinks they deserved their point due to their effort and determination in the contest.

"I think for effort, determination and guts we deserved something from the game," said Jewell. "We showed great character.

"We didn't create millions of chances - in fact hardly any chances really -but I don't think they did. It was an honest game.

"Both sides gave everything they had, and we definitely deserved something ... we maybe could have had a couple of penalties, but I don't know.

Dropped points

Although Blues secured a point from their trip to Pride Park, manager Alex McLeish feels it more a case of two dropped after conceding late on.

"When you surrender the lead at that stage of the game it feels like dropped points. But it's a tough venue to come, and Derby have been getting some good results lately," he said.

"They took some risks in the second half and they got their rewards. But I'm disappointed we didn't show more composure, and on the counter-attack we could have been more decisive.

"It was a great goal from Quincy. We looked very, very dangerous in the first half - and I thought things were coming together better."