Derby County hero Chris Martin admitted he was desperate to score against Nottingham Forest, having failed to do so in his previous 14 outings.
Martin bundled in a 97th minute equaliser to deny Forest three points at Pride Park on Saturday, after Joe Lolley’s fine strike early on looked to be enough for the Reds.
The Scotland international got his head to a long Wayne Rooney punt, and despite the best efforts of Tiago Silva on the line, he couldn’t stop Martin’s effort from going in to secure the Rams a valuable point in their play-off quest.
“Just delighted, somehow, it didn’t even hit the net, it managed to sneak over the line,” a relieved Martin told Rams TV.
Prior to Martin’s late leveller, Forest should have sewn things up with Tiago Silva, Lewis Grabban and Alex Mighten all passing up good chances, but the Rams striker felt his side were worthy of a point at the very least.
“On the balance of play, and I know they might disagree, I thought we deserved at least a point today.
“It was a frustrating one, they soaked up a lot of pressure and defended well, but I feel like we got the rewards for the patience we showed.”
In his previous 14 appearances against Derby’s arch-rivals, Martin had failed to hit the net and said it was a record he was acutely aware of, and one he was determined to put an end to.
“Fully aware of, something I’ve wanted to put right for a long time and haven’t managed to,” said the Scot.
“Sometimes there is such a thing as trying too hard against someone you’re so desperate, and what it means to people and yourself.
“We just carried on trying to play our game today, and like I said, that will probably be the key word, the patience that we showed.
“I thought we played good football, I thought we were the better side – but that’s exactly how Forest play.
“They soak up a lot of pressure, try to control you without the ball and force mistakes which they did at times, they defended very well and defended their box well.
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“It shows the importance of set plays to be aware and be concentrated for the full game and I think we’re fortunate to get that opportunity, but we’ve taken it.
“It might have even hit my shoulder, but who cares?”
