Derby eased their relegation fears with a 2-1 home win over promotion chasing Swansea. Rams coach Johnny Metgod was delighted with the performance, saying: "The way we did it was very pleasing against one of the best sides in the Championship - maybe the best side footballing wise - after our last home win was in November.
"We showed courage and character to try and stop them playing, even in their own half and the way we did that was very pleasing.
"I think we were due a little bit of fortune for the first goal, but I think we also got it because we tried to put them under pressure and stop them from playing.
"You just hope now this isn't going to be a one-off and we can hopefully build on it for the next nine games.
"I haven't got a target in mind (for safety). Fourth from bottom will do, even on goal difference! But it's not over yet, there are nine games to go and although this is a massive result for us and in the way we did it, it doesn't mean we can sit back and relax."
Swansea counterpart Brendan Rodgers was left to rue his teams defending.
Rodgers said: "Apart from the two goals we gave away I was pretty pleased.
"It's something you don't want to do early on against a team that is vulnerable at home because it gave them something to hold on to.
"I never criticise my players. It was a misunderstanding and we all make mistakes. We probably make 100 passes like that in a game and it was just one of those things.
"It put us on the back foot straight away but our response was okay but then we gave away a disappointing goal from a corner.
"It's been a good week in terms of our learning because it shows there are no easy games against teams that are fighting for their lives.
"We have got to show that mentality and keep going but this group of players are very mentally tough. I trust them 150% and I told them I have massive belief in what they do.
"There are still 27 points to play for and it will be what we do in April that will define our season. I think it is going to go to the wire at both ends."
