MARK Wotte said last night’s 1-1 draw was not a setback in Saints’ battle for survival.

Saints conceded a disappointing late equaliser to Steve Davies after Mile Sterjovski’s own goal had given them the lead just before the hour mark.

The result left Saints still in the relegation zone with just nine games left in the season.

But Wotte does not believe the draw was a disaster, even if it was frustrating.

“It would be very good if we won today and if you are ten minutes away from three points then of course you feel it as a disappointment,” he said.

“But it’s not a setback, because we have nine games to go and we face another home game, against QPR, and we need the three points on Saturday.”

Wotte was not impressed by Derby’s tactics, which he saw as very defensive.

“I could see that we both were not 100 per cent in best form, best shape, I think a little tiredness from both teams,” he said.

“I think their intention was not to play and only to defend and just get a point and they got a point.

“Of course when you get a late equaliser then you’re disappointed.

“It was not an attack, it was just a shot that was picked up by this player in the box.

“We defended very well I think.

“Then it can go two ways – they hit the post and we get a clear shot from Jason Euell.

“Before that Andrew Surman had to make the 2-0 and we would for sure have won the game.

“It was not a very good game today, both teams struggled to get a good performance, a lot of missed passes.

“We tried to play the best we could and I give credit to the players, because they tried their very best to keep the 1-0 and the three points at St Mary’s, but they got a more or less lucky goal.

“So it’s 1-1 and it’s disappointing because we need the wins and if you concede a late equaliser it’s never a good feeling in the dressing room.”