FA Cup: Derby boss Steve McClaren 'relieved' to see off Southport in third round

Derby County manager Steve McClaren admits he was “absolutely relieved” to see his side scrape past non-League Southport and reach the FA Cup fourth round.

The Sky Bet Championship high-flyers looked like they were heading for a replay after struggling against a club 89 places below them in the football pyramid, before Chris Martin’s injury time penalty gave the Rams a narrow 1-0 win.

Derby dominated the game for long periods, but McClaren was full of praise of their hard-working Conference opponents.

“We got the result but there's not a lot to say about our performance, just a lot to say about Southport's,” McClaren said.

"They came here and frustrated us, did their job, defended heroically, played when they could and their keeper was magnificent.

“Gary and his staff can be very proud of their performance today, I thought it was excellent.

"We are just thankful we are not the headline on Sunday morning, which we were very close to being. In the end it was sheer relief that we got the result.

“I couldn't see us scoring from open play and I thought it was going to take something like a penalty to win this game.

The Southport players were left “devastated” according to manager Gary Brabin, but the Sandgrounders boss was still delighted with how his side performed.

“I've told them I'm proud of them and that they've raised the bar and made a lot of friends,” Brabin said.

“It's a cruel way to lose the game but there was never any doubt in our minds that it was a penalty. I'm gutted to see the lads so down but I genuinely didn't think we were going to win the FA Cup.

“We just wanted to come here and show everyone what this team is capable of and leave with pride, which is certainly the case.

"I think they were excellent and we've frustrated a side who I think will be in the Premier League next season."