John Eustace sees ‘light at the end of the tunnel’ after point for Derby

Derby head coach John Eustace can see “light at the end of the tunnel” after his side came back to draw 1-1 with Charlton.

Eustace knows there is room for improvement but believes Derby are heading in the right direction, although they have yet to win at home this season.

Derby were certainly off the pace in the first half and Charlton deservedly went ahead in the 37th minute. Tyreece Cambell crossed to Greg Docherty who set up James Bree to fire into the top left corner.

Derby did not have a shot on target until the 76th minute but three minutes later they were level. Charlton only half-cleared a corner and Lewis Travis picked out Matt Clarke at the back post to head home.

Both teams had chances to win it but a draw was about right and Eustace said: “I think second half we were good.

“We have to be better and we have to be braver on the ball and we have to defend better. The Championship is always won with really tight margins and we are just giving that soft goal away.

“It did bring a lot of tension and pressure to the group but the way we went about our business in the second half was really pleasing and we created a couple of good chances.

“When we are still trying to find that formula and getting players fit but still picking points up I think that’s a real positive. It makes me excited about what will come when we click and there’s a lot of light at the end of the tunnel.”

Before the equaliser, Charlie Kelman could have doubled Charlton’s lead early in the second half with a shot from the edge of the box but Jacob Widell Zetterstrom made a smart save.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones said: “It’s a good point on the road. I thought first half we were good, we passed it well and created enough we just needed a bit more composure.

“I thought they were probably the better side second half, I thought they were a threat on the counter-attack and on set plays because of the size they have, but overall to come away from home after playing on the weekend it’s a decent point and probably a fair point on balance of play.

“The Championship is a tough league and we’re new to it so if you can win your home games and get a point away you’re not in a bad place. I thought the team gave me everything and I’m really proud, we defended the box really well.”