SHAUN Barker felt Derby County displayed contrasting qualities in their win over Watford.

Goals from Michael Tonge and Chris Porter gave the Rams a 2-0 victory at Pride Park but, between those strikes, the home side were made to work hard for the three points.

"We played some good football in the first half," said Barker. "The midfield got on the ball and we passed it well, got to the by-line and got the ball into the box. It was really nice to watch a times.

"The game changed massively in the second half. Watford were quite happy to lump it forward and we had to start defending deep, which was a little bit disappointing, but at this stage of the season it is all about grinding results out.

"The way they played should be bread and butter for me and Bucko (Jake Buxton). We have come here to head, tackle and block.

"Along with the other centre-halves at the club, we know we can do that and it felt pretty comfortable at times.

"They had a couple of chances but their style suited us well, I thought.

"I think the midfielders were a little bit disappointed that they couldn't get on the ball as much in the second half but, sometimes, that is the way football goes.

"OK, the second half wasn't pretty or the best to watch but it was a good chance for us to show that we can do both sides of the game."

It was Derby's first clean sheet since the 3-0 win over leaders Newcastle United on February 9, having conceded nine goals in their previous four outings.

"We had been disappointed with the last couple of results, even though the performances had been there, apart from one or two mistakes," Barker added.

"So it was massive for us to keep a clean sheet and I'm delighted because if we can do that, it takes a bit of pressure off the lads at the other end.

"It had been a while, so it was good to get one."

Tonge's 12th-minute wonder strike, which flew in off the underside of the crossbar from 25 yards out, was the midfielder's first goal for more than two and a half years – but it came as no surprise to Barker.

"It was a great goal," said the centre-back.

"He is a player with great ability, right-footed and left-footed.

"He's a fantastic footballer. I used to play against him when I was a young boy at Rotherham and he was coming through the ranks at Sheffield United.

"He stood out in that league and there was a lot of talk of him going to bigger clubs at the time.

"He has found himself at Stoke in the Premier League but somehow doesn't seem to be Tony Pulis' cup of tea.

"It suits us well and it has been a massive boost having him in the squad since he has been here.

"He is naturally a central midfielder but when he gets out wide, he can deliver great crosses.

"And he showed his ability by hitting a shot with his 'weak' foot right into the top corner, which the other 10 players on the pitch could probably only dream of doing.

"I've seen him hit a few of those, so it didn't surprise me."

Barker was also impressed with Porter's finish for the second goal.

"Ports' goal was just as good as the first one," he added.

"He showed great quality and you can see him starting to show his full fitness now.

"Those are the goals that are sometimes hardest to score, when you have got the chance to have two or three touches before shooting.

"But he took it superbly well and I am delighted for him."