ADNAN AHMED lost his first derby - but the experience has whetted his appetite for more big matches with Town.

The 20-year-old, who is making a big impression in Town's midfield, was sickened to lose 2-0 against Bradford at Valley Parade.

It was an occasion he revelled in, however, and he's hoping to retain his place in Peter Jackson's line-up for a shot at the likes of Sheffield Wednesday later this month and Doncaster next.

"The atmosphere was great at Valley Parade and it was the first time I've played in anything like that, so it was tremendous," said Ahmed.

"I really enjoyed it and the only disappointing aspect was the result, because I felt we were the better side for most of the game.

"Bradford scoring at the times they did really killed us, though, and that's what football is about. If you don't stick the ball in the net, it makes it hard work.

"I thought Bradford went 2-0 up totally against the run of play, but we've got to learn from that and make sure we don't let it happen again."

Ahmed was due to make his seventh straight start against Chesterfield today alongside a new midfield partner because of Jon Worthington's two-match ban.

"When you consider the age of our team at the moment I think it's going to stand the club in very good stead over the next few seasons," he added.

"The club is bound to benefit in the long run and the only way young players like myself and the rest gain experience is by playing matches.

"I think we are giving a good account of ourselves at the minute and we want to try and get a run of wins together before the end of the season.

"It just hasn't happened for us so far, so it's just a matter of staying strong mentally and working hard to get the results we want.

"Away from home, especially, we need to be more solid and to score a few more goals, but the lads are giving 100% and we'll turn things in our favour."

Ahmed admits he still has to pinch himself about his first-team chance.

"I'm living every moment to the full," he said.

"All I'm trying to do is make the most of every day, because it's a real `buzz' to be playing League football.

"Hopefully I'll be able to keep my place to the end of the season and, hopefully, we can still make a late push for the top six.

"It might be an outside chance, but we'll keep going.

"It is frustrating that we haven't been able to put back-to-back wins together because we feel we've been close.

"Even last week, we outplayed Bradford in the first half and should have been ahead, but they grabbed a lucky goal which changed the complexion of the game, right on half time.

"I thought we started the second half well, too, but the second goal just hit us. I couldn't believe it."