Paul Warne turns focus on Derby County promotion charge after a performance 'not good enough'

Paul Warne will have to be disappointed heading into the international break as he saw his side make an early exit from the FA Cup on Tuesday night.

The Rams lost 3-1 in a replay at Pride Park to League Two side Crewe Alexandra after initially going 1-0 up in the first half.

Derby had more of the ball and more shots than their opponents but struggled to capitalise on their chances, something that has been the story of the season so far in a lot of games.

Tom Barkhuizen scored Derby's only goal just three minutes into the game, but after Crewe equalised in the seventh minute, they never regained control of the scoreline until the final whistle.

The shock loss comes after perhaps the Rams' biggest win of the season so far against Barnsley last weekend and after they had built a four game winning streak at home.

With the international break upon us, it will give Paul Warne chance to reflect on his team's recent good form, but Tuesday's defeat will certainly take some of the shine off it.

After the match, he told Rams TV: "When we come back after the international break next weekend we need to hit the ground running because that level of performance isn't enough to pick up points in League One.

"To win four games at home on the spin in different competitions is good and it builds confidence and the lads feel good about themselves, so it's disappointing to go into the international break on the back of a defeat.

"We've let a lot of people down with the level of performance tonight but we'll pick the lads up and train hard and get ready for the Bristol Rovers game here next weekend."

Derby's next challenge comes in the form of Bristol Rovers in the league on Saturday 25 November at Pride Park. With Paul Warne's side level on points with sixth place, a win could be vital in helping them to a playoff spot.

His players will need to pick themselves up following the FA Cup exit.

Goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith described the 'sombre' atmosphere in the dressing room after the game, he said: "I think the lads were really confident going into this one, especially at home. There was no reason for a performance like that and it was a bit of a shock really.

"The mood is sombre in the dressing room and the lads are really disappointed to go into the international break on the back of a defeat but it gives us a chance to work on things."