Gary Brabin heaps praise on Southport despite loss to Derby County

Southport coach Gary Brabin has praised his side following their resolute display against Derby County in the FA Cup, despite being knocked out of the third round by Steve McClaren's side.

The Conference Premier team pushed County to the wire and eventually lost out to a Chris Martin injury-time penalty away at the Pride Park Stadium.

"We played against a top side in Derby and I've told the lads in the dressing room that in 2015 I'm sure Derby will be a Premier League side," said Barbin, according to BBC Sport.

"They found it hard to break us down but we played well in patches and gave them a couple of scares. It wasn't just a case of getting men behind the ball, we created a threat."

Southport will now turn their attentions back to their league ambitions where they occupy 20th position, seven points clear of the drop-zone.