ALEX Neil says his Norwich City team didn’t get the rewards their performance merited in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Derby County at Carrow Road.

The Canaries had their visitors largely on the back foot for most of the game as both sides chased a win that would enhance their promotion chances, but John Ruddy’s unfortunate own goal cancelled out Cameron Jerome’s first half opener.

When speaking to Norwich City TV after the final whistle, Neil stated that his team did everything he asked of them across the 90 minutes against the Rams.

“In terms of the gameplan and the way we set out, as far as I was concerned we had done our job properly. Sometimes in football you don’t get what you deserve, and I think today was one of those occasions,” he said.

“Everybody has got the same impression of what the game was like. I thought we were the better side and made good chances in the game and limited Derby to very, very little.

“You’ve got the two chances at the end, and you’ve got Sebastien Bassong’s header and the one Gary Hooper hits where the ‘keeper makes the save down to his left.

“If we continue to play like that for the next nine games, then we’ll be completely fine.”

Derby’s leveller came in unusual circumstances as Jamie Hanson’s direct corner trickled over the line after Ruddy couldn’t grasp the delivery under pressure.

Neil focussed on the positive work his goalkeeper has done in recent weeks, however, when asked about it by reporters.

“I’m sure John might have thought that he could have done better, but he’s been fantastic since I came here,” he added.

“As John goes for the ball, the guy who is on him has got hold of his arm. He has to try to go and grab it with one hand, which is a bit unfair on him.

“He’s made a lot of vital saves in games that have been crucial in us getting to this point. These type of things will happen at times.”

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