"We let ourselves down," says Dominic Iorfa after Sheffield Wednesday's defeat to Derby County

That was the verdict from Owls defender Dominic Iorfa after a 3-1 home defeat to Derby County at Hillsborough on Saturday.

Two goals from Tom Lawrence and one from Jason Knight stunned the hosts in the opening 30 minutes which came about after some dreadful defending.

Wednesday showed some spirit in the second half and managed to get one goal back through substutute Josh Windass but they gave themselves too much to do.

Iorfa, who replaced captain Tom Lees at half-time after a disappointing display, said: “We got off to a poor start and it went downhill from there really.

“We gave it a good go in the second-half but unfortunately the game was really done by then. We tried our best but it was not to be.

“The first goal took a deflection which it happens, it is unfortunate, but it is how we bounce back from that and unfortunately we did not do it today. We conceded two poor goals again.

“We went in at half-time 3-0 down but second half we came out and gave it a good go but it was too late.

“We had a good result on Wednesday but it is disappointing we let ourselves down today.”

Former Manchester United and England striker, Wayne Rooney, captained the Rams against Wednesday but Iorfa said it was “bittersweet” to play against him.

The centre-back said: “He is someone who I have looked up to since I was young growing up. He is one of the best players the country has produced. It is good to be playing against him but I would rather have the win to be honest.”

Garry Monk’s men next face Premier League champions Manchester City in the FA Cup fifth round at Hillsborough on Wednesday night.

“It is kind of a welcome distraction,” Iorfa said.

“It is against Premier League opposition and it should be a good atmosphere as well. ”