Fulham Head Coach Scott Parker was satisfied on the whole to leave Pride Park with a point on Friday night.
Derby County have been ruthless on their own patch this season, but Fulham recovered from Wayne Rooney’s penalty to take a draw back to London.
“For large parts we had a real control about us and dominated,” Parker said. “I felt like first half we had a lot of control but lacked a little bit of impetus.
“But in saying that, we’re coming to a place where they’ve lost two all year, they’re second in the league for home form, so we knew it would be a tough place.
“What we wanted to do was get a control and get hold of the ball and not let them have it that much, and quiet the crowd down, which I felt like we did.
“Their goal comes out of nothing really, and then after that my team showed unbelievable character, unbelievable mentality, something which we’ve struggled with this year at times when we’ve gone a goal down.
“But I saw a team that wanted to get back in the game, and then at 1-1 there’s some big chances that fall our way, and it’s a different story if they go in.
“Late on of course Derby come a little bit, get some corners and put us under a bit of pressure, but overall I’m pleased with the way it panned out.
“It’s a point gained for us, we go into two home games now in a busy week, and I’m happy.”
After a below-par performance by his high standards against Barnsley last week, Marek Rodák delivered an imperious display between the sticks, making numerous saves to keep his side level.
And when asked for his verdict on his goalkeeper’s performance, Parker replied: “Very good, top drawer.
“He had a bad afternoon on Saturday and made two errors, which is obviously unlike him. He’s a young ‘keeper, a young boy, but I knew he’d be fine because of the character of him.
“I often say to this team and these players that what we’re trying to develop here is a mentality and a character and a belief, because ultimately I realise and I know that if you want to be successful as a team and as individuals, that’s what you need.
“He had two options after the weekend; to go into his shell and sink, or he had an option to come in Monday morning and stand up, go again, be brave, take responsibility for the mistakes he made. And that’s what he did, and that’s why you get that performance tonight.
“I’m delighted with him and I’m delighted that he has that concrete head that means even during the little adverse times he had last week, he can front up and keep going, because that can sometimes be difficult in the world we’re in.”