DOUGIE Freedman believes his side can take heart from their cup exit at Chelsea. Despite seeing Wanderers lose 2-1 at Stamford Bridge, the Scot was encouraged by the fact his players did not crumble under some intense pressure from the Premier League leaders.

Freedman also thanked the fans for their support on the night – and hopes the enthusiasm can now spill over into this weekend’s home game with Derby County.

“It was fantastic to hear our fans really get behind the team,” he said.

“It was a wonderful occasion; the players gave it everything they had, so of course we should take something from the game.

“I’ve just said to the lads ‘let’s take this into Derby, let’s go again, because there is nothing to be ashamed of from our performance at Chelsea.”

Freedman admits Wanderers rode their luck at times, with Andre Schurrle hitting 12 attempts on goal out of Chelsea’s 28 on the night.

Andy Lonergan was in imperious form, making a string of fine saves, but the Whites could have forced the tie into extra time with Chung-Yong Lee and Joe Mason giving Jose Mourinho’s side a couple of late scares.

“When I saw Chelsea’s team-sheet I knew straight away that their manager was showing this competition respect,” Freedman said. “I knew we were in for a tough night.

“We set up a plan to contain then for the first half and then try to play a little more expansively in the second half and in that respect, the plan worked.

“We gave them a couple of hairy moments in that last 10 minutes.

“Of course we had to respect Chelsea but I thought we gave them a right good game in the end.”