Manager Frank Lampard heaped huge praise on his Derby County players following the 2-0 victory over Bristol City to give them the advantage in their pursuit of the play-offs.
The Rams boosted their chances of reaching the play-off places with a valuable three points on the road against the Robins.
Tom Lawrence gave Lampard’s side the early advantage but it was a battle at Ashton Gate as the hosts pushed for a leveller.
A key urning point came after half-time as Bristol City were reduced to 10-men as Antoine Semenyo was dismissed for a high tackle on Tom Huddlestone.
Derby County took control and a second from Jayden Bogle in the 77th minute secured a crucial three points at a critical stage of the season.
“If you come to Bristol City when it’s their last home game of the season and there is a lot riding on the game, it needs to be gutsy to win the game,” Lampard told RamsTV. “I thought the attitude and the way we approached the game; we were brilliant.
“They are a strong team, they pushed, and we had to ride our luck, but I would tell you a lot of games where the luck has gone the other way on us and we had bits on our side today.
“We created chances on the break, and we were clinical with two of them.”
Lawrence’s early strike settled the nerves at Ashton Gate and the manager was pleased for the 25-year-old to make his mark in a key game.
“He will want to get more goals in his game,” Lampard said. “He is an attacking player and does a lot of work for us in terms of working off the ball high up the pitch and when he is on the ball.
“Goals can take him to that extra level because he is still young. When I think of Tom, I think he’s a bit older than what he is. He is still a young player in my eyes and I was pleased for him. He gets a bit of luck but it goes in.”
The Robins applied the pressure on the Rams in the second half as the defence stood firm and resolute.
Mason Bennett was introduced by the manager and he made a positive impact, providing the assist for Bogle’s goal.
“He brought us freshness when he came on and you know what you get when he comes on,” commented the manager.
“Mason cares so much about this club and the quality and awareness to cut the ball back for Bogle, and the skill of it, is top class.
“Mason needs to believe that because he’s got it in him. If he can believe it himself then it is going to help him.”
Bogle’s second goal of the season sealed the three points for the Rams in his breakthrough season.
The Academy graduate was handed his chance to shine by Lampard earlier in the campaign, and he has grasped it with both hands.
“This is Jayden Bogle and we are judging an 18-year-old this season,” the manager said. “He was magnificent. The boy is getting stronger.
“After the goal, he is trying to join in the attacks in the last 10/15 minutes. What a development for an 18-year-old.
“It just shows with some young players, you never know what you’re going to get until you put them in. What Bogle has done this season has been incredible, he is a credit to himself and needs to continue now.”