New Headline: Portsmouth Surpasses Expectations: Gardner's Plan Triumphs at Wembley

Derby County assistant head coach Matt Gardiner spoke to BBC Radio Derby following Monday's 1-0 win at Portsmouth. "Hopefully everyone could see that was a real battling performance from the boys. The whole group came together to see us over the line," he said.

"We had to defend the box for our lives, our shape was excellent and we had some really good transition opportunities. On another day, with a bit more quality, we could have scored a few more goals. "It's a tough place to come, so to get that early goal gave us something to hang on to.

But we tried to be positive and tried to get a second. " On boss John Eustace working remotely from the stands: "We were all mic'd up and John was watching the game and communicating down. "He had the helicopter view so was able to pass it on, so we were able to navigate it.

But it will be good to have him back on Saturday. "