Clough perplexed by roughshod Rams

Derby manager Nigel Clough was at a loss to explain his side's dire display during the 3-2 defeat at Barnsley.

The Rams found themselves 3-0 down after half-an-hour and subsequently slipped to their first loss in seven npower Championship matches.

"We had not conceded a league goal in January and then we concede three in 30 minutes. No excuses, I absolutely can't work out where it came from really," said Clough.

"We can't come up with one (an explanation). Especially when you look at the second half performance and when you look at the last two or three months, with how tight and solid we've been as a defensive unit and players we've relied on - the full-backs especially as I think it was the full-backs rather than the centre-halves that have cost us.

"Everybody had an off 45 minutes, we put it right in the second half but the damage was too much."

Jamie Ward pulled a goal back after 69 minutes before on-loan Tottenham midfielder Tom Carroll marked his debut with a goal in injury time.