Derby County Coach Andy Garner said he had sympathy for Coventry City after they went down to a 1-0 defeat at Pride Park this afternoon.
Speaking to the Press Association, Garner said; "The players know they have been in a game. Full credit to Coventry, I thought they were excellent, especially in the first half.
"We were delighted to come in at half-time (on level terms.) We were struggling a bit but the most important thing is we don't concede and a couple of months ago we might have come in losing 1-0."
Just before Derby scored, the home keeper had made a tremendous save from a Clingan free kick and Garner thought this was pivotal, saying; "It was a massive moment.
"I think their manager would probably say it sums their season up.
"It was a brilliant save and then fortunately for us and unfortunately for them, we go 1-0 up but it was a great goal.
"We had to grind it out today but the pleasing thing for us is that if we have to roll up our sleeves and it's not very pretty but that's what it takes, then we will do that."