Manager Phillip Cocu was disappointed to taste defeat his first East Midlands derby and exit the Carabao Cup at the Second Round stage on Tuesday night.
The Rams were beaten 3-0 by their nearest rivals Nottingham Forest, who retain the Brian Clough Trophy, at the City Ground.
First-half goals from wingers
Albert Adomah and Joe Lolley but the Reds in control, before Curtis Davies'
clearance ricocheted in off substitute Joao Carvalho in the closing stages.
Reviewing the game, the Rams' boss was naturally not happy with the outcome.
“I’m disappointed, especially for the fans as it was a big game,” he told RamsTV. “It was two teams with two different line ups than in the league.
“Just after their first goal from the corner, we just couldn’t get back into the game. It was a huge crowd, a lot of fans supported us as well, over 3,000, but it was great support for the team.
“We couldn’t turn it around and get back into the game. When they scored the second it proved to be even more difficult.
“I think the second half we started well with more pressure towards their goal and some chances, but it was bad luck of Curtis Davies for the third goal. Ben Hamer saw the ball, but it was like a rocket and from then it’s game over.
“We tried to get a goal back in the second half to try and get a draw but it was not possible. We put a few young players in with a mixture of older players, who knew these kind of games and had the experience, but we have to focus on the league now.
“We will face Forest two more times this season so we will make sure that we make our fans proud in these games.”
The manager made 10 changes to his side from the weekend's 1-1 draw against West Bromwich Albion at Pride Park Stadium.
Whilst youngster Lee Buchanan was the only player to retain his place, the manager was pleased to welcome back Duane Holmes after being sidelined since the end of last season due to injury.
“Duane Holmes worked hard to get back,” he said. “He will improve but he needs these games to play in the league and put his qualities inside our team. I’m happy he played.
“Curtis Davies played another game and he did well. After a long injury, he needs these kinds of games.
“Matt Clarke is adapting to our playing style. He is used to a different style of playing football. All players have experience. It’s difficult to accept but today you have to say that Forest was a little bit better than we were.”
The Rams' supporters sold out their allocation of tickets, with over 3,300 snapped up, and made plenty of noise during the game.
It was something which the manager was keen to praise.
“They try to support us with the loud crowd,” he commented. “We heard them until the last second.
“We say thanks and we realise it is disappointing that we didn’t win but we still have two league games to go against them and the league is extremely important for us.”
