Full back Nathan Byrne admitted that the first half cost Derby County as they fell to their first home in six games following a 1-2 defeat against Millwall at Pride Park Stadium.
A goal in the opening 90 seconds of the game put the Rams on the back foot as Jed Wallace’s free kick deceived everyone and found the far corner.
And on the half hour mark, Millwall doubled their advantage as Tyler Burey smashed home from close range as the visitors took control of the encounter.
Derby did enjoy a lot of possession in the second half but struggled to breakdown a stubborn Lions defence.
They did manage to pull a goal back on 88 minutes as Colin Kazim-Richards, who was introduced at half time, crossed into the centre and Millwall’s Jake Cooper guided into the back of his own net.
But, it was just a consolation as Derby suffered their first home defeat since the end of November.
“The first half has cost us,” Byrne admitted, chatting to RamsTV. “We know we weren’t good enough but I think we probably had the same amount of chances they did, but they took theirs and we didn’t.
“I think you have got to give Millwall credit for the way they set up. They stopped us playing our normal game but we have always got to find a way.
“In the first half, unfortunately we didn’t. it was better in the second half but when a team has a 2-0 lead, it’s easier for them to sit in and soak up the pressure.
“We are always going to give it a go but it’s not enough for the situation we are in. We still believe and everyone is still positive in there.
“We have two massive away games coming up so we will prepare right and give it our all.”
He added: “Until it’s impossible, we’re not going to give up. The manager has just reiterated what we’ve been saying that there is so many games to go, anything can happen and we still believe we can get out of this.”
Derby did continue to fight until the end, as they have shown on many occasions this season and Byrne believes that strong resilience in the dressing room will help as the campaign enters the business end.
“We know we need to be better at both ends of the pitch, score more goals and that’s what we are trying to do,” he said.
“The fight is always going to be there with this group of players. It’s the most honest, hard working group of players I’ve played with, that’s never in doubt, but we need to kick on now and hopefully go on a run.
“The boys will prepare now, travel down to Luton and hopefully we can get a result there.”