LAMPS BACKS KEOGH AFTER RAMS GAFFE
FRANK Lampard placed a consoling arm around Richard Keogh after his mistake led to Bristol City’s opening goal at Pride Park.
The Derby skipper was at fault for Jamie Paterson’s opener but boss Lampard refused to make the Republic of Ireland defender the scapegoat.
Keogh’s misplaced header in the 24th minute sent Paterson away to lift the ball over Scott Carson after Derby had dominated.
Mason Mount crossed for Martyn Waghorn to equalise from six yards in the 37th minute and both teams had chances to win it in a pulsating second half.
Lampard said of Keogh: “He’s been brilliant this season. I will not hold it against him in the slightest because he’s bailed us out many a time and he made a fantastic block in the second half.
“He’s our leader, he’s a great bloke and a mistake is going to happen in the course of a season to the absolute best of them so I have no qualms with Richard.”
Lampard also revealed that David Nugent played with a broken hand after a training-ground injury.
“He broke his hand on Thursday and it’s a sign of Nuge’s character and his professionalism that it’s almost like he’s only got a broken fingernail! He’s a tough boy.”
Bristol City head coach Lee Johnson said: “I did promise a good game given the two sides and the way they play.
“The first 20 minutes was difficult due to their quality, busyness and movement and us giving the ball away too much.
“We tweaked it a bit and the last 70 minutes were very even for different reasons. We were very threatening on the break and had some great chances.”
Derby should have equalised in the 32nd minute when Harry Wilson crossed from the right, but Nugent headed over from four yards.
City almost doubled their lead when Mount’s loose pass sent in Famara Diedhiou but his chip bounced off the bar – and Derby were level two minutes later.
Paterson should have scored his second in the 58th minute but sliced wide from eight yards with only Carson to beat and Mount’s 20-yard shot was turned behind in the 74th minute.
City thought they had won it in the 84th minute but Diedhiou’s volley was brilliantly saved by Carson plunging to his left.
His reflex stop was the climax of a game Derby dominated for long periods but they could not turn possession into goals.
Keogh missed a chance to redeem himself as a 20-yard shot was turned over as the home side pressed for a winner.
Johnson added: “It was an unbelievable save from Carson from Diedhiou’s volley. He couldn’t have seen that until really, really late but, of course, our goalkeeper had a really good game as well.
“It was a really hard-fought Championship point and I’m pleased with the performance and the application and attitude of the players.
“It’s five unbeaten now after four losses on the spin and we have to continue to build the momentum going into the January window.”