Derby cup win a confidence booster - Shane Duffy

Shane Duffy feels Brighton's FA Cup win against Derby will boost the team's confidence heading into a crucial period of the season.
Shane Duffy in action against Derby. Picture by PW Sporting PhotographyShane Duffy in action against Derby. Picture by PW Sporting Photography
Shane Duffy in action against Derby. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Albion progressed into the quarter-finals for the second successive season with a 2-1 victory over the Rams and do not now play until they travel to Leicester in the Premier League next Tuesday.

March already looks a key month for the Seagulls, with league games against Huddersfield, Crystal Palace and Southampton and the FA Cup quarter-final tie.

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Speaking after Saturday's win against Derby, Duffy said: "It's always nice to get through in the cup and a cup run can do a lot of things for you.

"I always say every win is important. This is another important win for the club and any player wants to get as far as they can, to a cup final or have a cup run.

"It's another huge win and a confidence booster because we haven't got a game for a while.

"We'll have a bit of luck in the draw hopefully and another home tie would be nice.

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"We'll fancy it against anyone on our day as we can beat anyone."

Albion limited Derby's chances throughout the 90 minutes and Duffy was pleased with the Seagulls' defensive showing. They were only denied a clean sheet by Ashley Cole's late header and after conceding four to Fulham and three to Burnley recently, Duffy said: "It's important for the fundamentals of the team, defend well.

"We've let in too many goals recently, which has been a problem. It's hurt us, so back to what we are good at.

"Sometimes you can go through patches. That's what we went through and hopefully we are out of it.

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"They had nothing to lose, went to 4-4-2 and just went for it, caught us a little bit by surprise. I think we dealt with it well enough.

"It was a sloppy goal but we had enough chances going forward. We're all happy."

Dan Burn partnered Duffy in central defence for the game and said the former Fulham and Wigan player's performances are keeping everyone on their toes: "He's fitted in very well.

"It was another good performance from him. It's good competition for all of us to keep us on our toes. He has taken his chances when he's had them and that's all you can do."

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