Mark praises Martin Paterson
Mark Robins described striker Martin Paterson’s goal as ‘outstanding’ as he watched his side earn a point against the Championship’s form side.
Paterson struck four minutes from time to level matters after Craig Bryson had given Derby a first half lead.
The Northern Ireland international’s chest and volley is his first goal on home soil for the Terriers.
Robins said: “Martin Paterson’s goal was out of the top draw and will give him a world of confidence. He and Danny Ward linked up well and came to life on the hour mark along with Adam Hammill and others.”
“A point was the least we deserved,” Mark added. “Derby are the form team in the country and they edged the first half. They were better than us and I was glad that it was only 1-0 at half-time; thanks in part to a fantastic penalty save by Alex Smithies.
“Joel Lynch was caught cold, but I need to look at it again before I decide it if was a fair decision. He probably shouldn’t have lunged because you are asking for trouble, but Alex has made a great save.
“We probably didn’t get the rub of the green with the decisions, but in the end we didn’t need them.”
Town were second best during the first half, but as in previous game, Duane Holmes’ introduction lifted the Terriers.
“He gave us the impetus and we took the game to them. We showed that we can compete with the best in this division. Our belief grew and we wouldn’t have been embarrassed had we won it.”
Robins also reserved praise for Scotsman Murray Wallace: “He has stepped in from nowhere and done brilliantly against two of the best teams in the league. His test now is to keep his concentration levels high and do the right things against a Yeovil side who are at the wrong end of the table.
“We have taken two points against the form teams in the division and we need to be in the market for a good victory on Sunday. If we are not at it, we will get turned over. A win would round off a decent 2013.”
Town earned the draw without leading goalscorer James Vaughan and Mark explained his absence.
“James picked up a knock to his knee and it is nothing too serious, but he wasn’t right for today. Anthony Gerrard picked up a groin injury, but it doesn’t look too severe.”
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