"We pulled one goal back and were playing well but half-time probably came at the wrong time for us.
"It was hard losing Bothroyd and McCormack to possible hamstring injuries but you can't chase a game for 80 minutes.
"There is a lot of football to be played in this division yet and if a club goes on a good run then they can move up with the leaders.
"You can't fault the players for their efforts but you have to be tight at the back and we weren't in those opening minutes."
Mick McCarthy was surprised at how well his side started the game.
"I was shocked by our start and it is a pleasant change as usually we find ourselves a goal down,2 he said.
"It was a very tough game and I bet Dave Jones is fuming at the two goals his defence has let in.
"My two centre-backs, Richard Stearman and Michael Mancienne, were immense at the back and while we didn't sit back and defend after going ahead we still had plenty to do.
"Up front we probably have the best strike force in the Championship and they are scoring goals regularly."