Darren Moore On Derby's Start

Darren Moore's Diary

Relishing our first test away from Pride Park

It was our first Premiership game on Saturday, and we had a relatively good start. Looking back at it, we put Portsmouth under a lot of pressure but let them back into the game with a goal, which was very sloppy from my point of view. But then after we conceded the second it was great to get back into it and take a point away from the game.

We're definitely looking at it as a point gained and not two lost, even though at one stage we felt like we might come away with all three. We should have maybe held onto it when we went ahead, but you soon learn that it's imperative to keep your concentration when you score a goal. That`s your weakest time on the football field - the adrenalin is pumping and your composure can go a bit, plus there's another 11 guys out there trying to get straight back in! We've got to learn from that and try to eradicate it from our game.

But we are very proud of ourselves; everyone's chuffed with the outcome of Saturday's game. We had very high performance levels and showed that we've got what we need to do well in this league.

You soon learn that it's imperative to keep your concentration when you score a goal. That`s your weakest time on the football field.

Most importantly we showed no fear. I can't complain about our work rate and ethic either. If we can keep doing that you can't ask for much more.

Ten months ago this club was thinking we had a fight on to avoid relegation to League One and now here we are - we're in with the elite! Derby County have made fantastic strides in a short amount of time, it's quite incredible really.

But we can't get ahead of ourselves; you can only take one game at a time and we've got a tough one coming up tonight against Man City at the City of Manchester Stadium.

City had a cracking start to their campaign. A few people may have raised their eyebrows at the good start that they've had, but it just goes to show that they've got some decent players there. To go to West Ham and to win so convincingly shows that Sven has done well and the new players have settled in straight away.

They have got some unknown players, and that might work to their advantage against some Premiership sides this season. But City don't know us either, so no-one has the upper hand in that respect. It should be a good game; I'm looking forward to it.

It's our first big hurdle away from home, but I think we'll be able to cope away from Pride Park. Anyway, it's all part and parcel of the tests we are going to face this season - we'll relish it, these are the tests we want as players.

The gaffer hasn`t started supplying us with his tactical DVDs about the opposition; there's been none of that yet. He's alright at the moment, I think there's too much else to worry about! He'll be pleased about being allowed back on the touchline again tonight and it will be great to have him there shouting and barking orders at us again. Fingers crossed we'll come back to Derby with our first win.

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