Head Coach Paul Warne says it 'feels like two points dropped' after Derby County's 1-1 draw at home to Shrewsbury Town in Sky Bet League One.
The Rams looked like they were heading to another three points at Pride Park Stadium until a late strike from Aaron Pierre cancelled out Max Bird's goal just after half-time.
Speaking to RamsTV after the game, Warne gave his verdict on the performance.
On the result...
When you concede late on, it feels like two points dropped. We had those chances right at the end too where we hit the crossbar through Curtis Nelson and the goalkeeper made a save from Tom Barkhuizen. I'm not saying our performance deserved all three points, because I didn't think we were outstanding but it's my fault; I got the shape wrong. We played that shape last week, with three at the back, and were good. At home today, we didn't seem to have enough going for us out wide. I apologised to the dressing room, because that was my fault. I thought we started the second half a lot more like us, we scored the goal through Birdy but we just needed the second goal.
We were forced into certain changes because Ryan Nyambe felt his knee and Ebou Adams had cramp, so couldn't risk either of those. I don't think they created a great deal and we defended set-pieces really well, so to concede was a difficult pill to swallow. I felt like after we went 1-0 up, we played with a little bit of fear which I don't like. I just don't think we played with enough personality.
On having a more positive mindset when taking the lead...
I thought our out of possession stuff was really good. I just felt that when we had the ball, we had to show more personality. If you look at all the results around the league today, points have been dropped everywhere, but that's why it's a little bit harder to take. Exeter will be tough opposition in midweek and our standards will have to be higher to win away from home, however, we are a point closer to where we want to be. I think we need to win 10 games between now and the end of the season and unfortunately today was a good opportunity that we've let slip.
On the set-piece goal from Max Bird...
The lads have been good at set-pieces this week. Generally speaking, we looked good off corners and free-kicks but we didn't create enough in open play and that was probably the most disappointing part of our play.
On Ebou Adams' home debut...
He adds a bit of steel in our midfield, which we need. I'm really pleased for him but he's heartbroken that we've thrown points away and that is a good sign. I like the way he stands his corner and he played his role really well. There's a lot of really good things about his play but, unfortunately, it's always about three points and today we didn't get it.
On the squad's fitness...
Josh Vickers has got a problem with his quad and will be out for a while. Eiran Cashin was sore in his hamstring after the Charlton game last weekend, so I took advice from the medical team and we decided to leave him for this game. He should be fine for Exeter.
