DERBY COUNTY BLOG: The Rams now fear no one, says Andy Buckley-Taylor

It’s a results business and to be honest we can’t expect exciting fluent football in every game. Teams that are successful grind out results and have a little luck on their way upwards.

That said, Middlesbrough were hardly the most entertaining side we’ve played so far.

Sunday’s game at Wigan was a great game with the team showing flair, commitment and, when needed, resilience. To be honest I’d have taken a point prior to kick off, but the new found belief in the side saw them go in at half time three goals to the good.

No matches are easy in this division, but as the team climbs the table and form improves, expectations get higher.

Now we will lose games and have disappointments at times, but Derby County now fear no one and fans can look forward to games with much more optimism.

Over the past few weeks several players have shown much improvement. Among them, Craig Forsyth has probably been the pick of the bunch.

Signed in the summer from Watford, he initially struggled in the left back position. Craig has, though, really come on over the last few weeks and has started to win the fans over.

It speaks volumes when players such as Jeff Hendrick, Johnny Russell and new loan signing Michael Keane can only make it on to the subs bench.

A lunchtime kick off against Blackpool on Saturday is next in line and despite the fact that three key players will be suspended for our visitors and another is injured, we can’t afford to sit back.

It’s full steam ahead and time to push the three clubs above us in the league.