We were miserable admits Sam

BOLTON...0

BOLTON, who won their first three games are stepping up from the First Division, are now finding it hard to pick up points in the Premiership.

Manager Sam Allardyce realises that they need to find that winning formula again or else they could be dragged into the relegation dogfight.

"We've got to pick up points from teams in the bottom three," he said.

"We came here to pressurise the opposition and we did that. We played exceptionally well right up to Derby's last third but then we were miserable.

"Derby looked as though they were low on confidence and unfortunately for us, we didn't take advantage of that.

"I have never seen us look so comfortable away from home. I think the game was there for the taking.

"But from the beginning we played too much cautious football. I told the lads at half-time we were apprehensive in terms of taking chances.

"There were a few bottles and teacups thrown around the dressing room at the end.

"I don't mind that but I wish we had shown controlled aggression right from the start."

Derby striker Malcolm Christie heads for Old Trafford on Wednesday with a spring in his step after rediscovering his scoring touch.

But midfielder Darryl Powell says it is unfair to expect the 22-year-old striker to get goals on a regular basis because he is still learning his trade.

Christie, plucked from non-league Nuneaton two years ago, stunned Bolton with the winner in the 66th minute.

It was only his second goal of the season and Powell said: "It is difficult to maintain your form at this level, especially when you are young.

"It is a job he is capable of doing but to expect him to score, week in, week out, is hard and people should understand that.

"Mally has done well when he has gone away with England Under-21s. That has kept him bubbly and kept him ticking over.

"He was probably a little bit quiet for an hour against Bolton. Then he did the most important thing by scoring. He looked lively and looked busy after that.

" You need things to go your way. I thought he took the chance brilliantly."

Christie said: "I was very disappointed with myself at half-time but the lads told me to stay positive and the goal would come.

"I was delighted when it did happen and I could have had a second but their keeper made a great save.

"The performance wasn't as good as the last two games but the result is all that matters to us."

Christie's goal gave Derby a huge boost after successive defeats by Newcastle and Liverpool. Next up are Manchester United in midweek and Powell is quietly confident of silencing their fans.

"We've been in a little bit of a losing habit, playing really well but not getting results, " he said.

"Hopefully we can grow from this win over Bolton. We want to go into the New Year in a decent position.

"We have got what it takes and we have been playing good football in recent weeks without getting the right results.

"I believe we are capable of moving up the table but it is so tight in this league you have to take your chances."

Bolton, who won their first three games are stepping up from the First Division, are now finding it hard to pick up points.

Manager Sam Allardyce realises that they need to find that winning formula again or else they could be dragged into the relegation dogfight.

"We've got to pick up points from teams in the bottom three," he said.

"We came here to pressurise the opposition and we did that. We played exceptionally well right up to Derby's last third but then we were miserable.

"Derby looked as though they were low on confidence and unfortunately for us, we didn't take advantage of that.

"I have never seen us look so comfortable away from home. I think the game was there for the taking.

"But from the beginning we played too much cautious football. I told the lads at half-time we were apprehensive in terms of taking chances.

"There were a few bottles and teacups thrown around the dressing room at the end.

"I don't mind that but I wish we had shown controlled aggression right from the start."