Paul Warne admitted his side needed to 'put the game to bed' when they had the momentum as Derby County fell to 2-1 defeat in cruel fashion against Sheffield Wednesday with a late winner at Pride Park Stadium.
The Rams took an early lead through Ebou Adams and dominated proceedings but couldn’t put the match out of sight before an impressive long-range strike from Barry Bannan levelled the contest just after the hour.
Derby looked the favoured side as they surged forwards looking for a winner, but Jamal Lowe delivered the sucker punch late on when he burst into space to tap the ball into the back of the net deep into added time.
Warne spoke to RamsTV after the late loss against the Owls on home turf.
On late defeat against Sheffield Wednesday…
I feel the same as everybody in the stadium. I don't think anyone left here thinking that we didn't deserve to at least get a point, or even all three points. It felt like the biggest snatch-and-grab ever. If you don't get the second goal after taking the lead, there's always a chance of that happening.
I've just been in the dressing room; I didn't know what to say to the lads. It's not a moment to critique everything. I thought we were good, and I was proud. We try and drive performances, and we want results. We wanted to leave with three points today, but we just didn't get that second goal and that was elusive for us. Unfortunately, a wonder strike from Barry Bannan changed the game. I don't know how many players on the pitch could have scored it, truth be told.
On needing to take advantage of dominant spells against the Owls…
We had chance after chance, it felt like, and the two that hit the target for them went in. I feel for the lads because they've given everything. We've made as many changes as we could, and I thought we outperformed them in most departments. I don't think it was a bad performance in any way. However, the scoreline is what matters.
On the importance of being clinical when chances come…
It seems to be a bit indicative at the moment that we don't take enough chances to win a game. That means everything else is running pretty well. We can be proud of how our team played, but you've just got to take the chances when you're on top. Unfortunately, we just came a little bit short.
If you look at Sheffield Wednesday today, they took two of their chances while we probably had four or five good ones. It's just disappointing. Unfortunately, in the last three home games, I think we should have got nine points - and we've got one. I'm not naive enough to say I'm just pleased with the performances, because we're in the business to collect points, and that's what's disappointing. The lads have given everything.
