Championship Round-up: Russell backs Derby recovery, Amos admits Bolton's tough times

JOHNNY RUSSELL insists Derby can avoid another promotion choke after their 2-0 defeat at Middlesbrough.

 

Johnny Russell featured in Derby's 2-0 loss - their first in the Championship since November 6

 

Paul Clement's side remain second, four points behind Boro, but have taken just one point from the last six and fans are beginning to worry about a repeat of last season's collapse that saw them go from the top two to missing out on the play-offs.

Derby lead third-placed Hull by a point, and Scotland international Russell said: "We've done well over the course of the season and as sore as it is, this result won't change or define us.

"One game doesn't decide what happens and it's down to us to regroup and put it right in our next game."

Boro have taken 22 points from the last 24 largely down to a watertight defence that's gone more than 12 hours without conceding.

 

There were no goals as Burnley and Ipswich toiled without reward at Turf Moor, although Tractor Boys tough guy Christophe Berra found himself playing through the pain once again.

Berra was laid out in an early clash with Burnley striker Sam Vokes but insisted he continued as manager Mick McCarthy prepared to take him off. He has already suffered a head wound and lost teeth in this campaign and defensive partner Tommy Smith joked: "Christophe wants to man up!

"He's always in the wars, and this one was a tough old game. He's taking the brunt of it at the moment, which says a lot for his commitment."

Burnley, 4-0 winners in their last two home games, had a goal disallowed and saw top scorer Andre Gray miss from 10 yards.

Centre-half Ben Mee said: "It's a better result for them - it would have been nice to cut the gap with Brighton. But it's a long season and we've still got plenty of time."

 

At the other end of the table, Bolton were beaten 2-0 at home by Huddersfield as they faced up to the fact they may be forced to sell players this month due to their financial troubles.

Goalkeeper Ben Amos admitted: "Of course it will make the job tougher. Younger players might have to make the step up or maybe they'd try and find replacements.

"Sometimes supporters don't realise we're human and we don't want to be at the bottom of the league at all. We're as frustrated as they are.

"Backs are against the wall and we've got to the stage where we have to start picking up points, it's as simple as that."

 

Charlton edged to three points ahead after a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, which was followed by Addicks fans protesting against owner Roland Duchatelet, calling for the Belgian to sell the club.

Striker Tareiq Holmes-Dennis said: "The protest doesn't affect me and the players. We're not high on confidence but we try and work our way through it."

Bristol City remain in the bottom three after a 1-0 defeat at Reading and midfielder Marlon Pack said: "It was a bitter pill to swallow again. We just have to find a way to get those three points. If we can keep putting in performances like that, we'll get the points we deserve."