NIGEL Clough slammed his Derby County side's inability to defend after they lost 4-2 at Sheffield United, writes TOM SLOAN.
The Rams conceded twice from the Blades' only two attacks of note in the first half, with Kyle Naughton and Darius Henderson netting to give their side a 2-0 lead going into the break.
Rob Hulse pulled one back before Henderson's second made it 3-1.
Young debutant Barry Bannan then threw Derby a lifeline before substitute Craig Beattie wrapped things up for United with the last kick of the game.
The defeat - their 10th in 19 matches away from Pride Park - leaves Derby in 17th place, six points above the relegation zone
What disappointed the Rams boss was the easy manner in which the home side were able to stroll into a 2-0 lead and then strike just as Derby were back in the game.
He said: "Going forward as usual it was absolutely fine. We created chances and scored two away from home.
"The key to the game was the fact we can't defend. The rare two occasions the ball was in our penalty area (first-half) it's the two goals - it wasn't a sustained onslaught.
"The last one we were going for it but the others were disappointing.
"Going forward was okay. We gave another goal away and then got back into it."
Clough accepts he has got to get more out of the personnel at his disposal but admits he would like to have more options at the back.
He said: "Until we can defend at a reasonable level that will continue. We have to improve even with the personnel we have got to make it more difficult for the opposition than we did today.
"I would like to have a few more options but they are the only first-team defenders we have got fit at the moment.
"There is no excuse for the manner in which we defended today."
The Rams boss, though, was pleased with Gary Teale, who was probably the best Derby player on show, and young Bannan.
The 20-year-old Aston Villa prospect, on loan at Pride Park for a month, replaced fellow loan player John Eustace at half-time when the more experienced man was a foul away from a second yellow card.
He was bright and caused the Blades problems running from the centre of midfield, marking his debut with a neatly taken goal.
Said Clough: "Gary Teale caused problems all game. And I was delighted with Barry Bannan. It was his first Championship appearance and it's a bit different than the UEFA Cup.
"He made his goal as well. We are looking forward to him being around for the next few weeks.
"I just wish he could be a centre-half!"