Matty Blair felt Rotherham United showed their higher level quality in the second half of Saturday's loss at home to the south Yorkshire outfit.
The Millers ran out 2-0 winners as they broke past an inspired Scott Flinders after the interval to secure all three points.
Despite that, Blair recognised that his side were well in the game, but failed to deal with Rotherham's power in the second half.
"First half I thought we were really in it, I thought we competed very well," he said.
"I thought we had opportunities to create decent chances that we didn't quite take, but second half they've probably shown why they were in the Championship last year.
"They are a very fit team, they ran over the top of us in the last twenty minutes.
"On another day I think we could have got something out of the game but it's a disappointing one because obviously it's another defeat."
The former Doncaster Rovers man also looked ahead to Tuesday's Papa John's Trophy game at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium against Exeter City.
He added: "It's a good opportunity for players to get minutes. I assume there will be a couple of changes. There are lads who are injured who will be coming back hopefully. It might be an opportunity for them to get minutes.
"It's a game we want to win to either start a winning run with momentum again."
See the full interview with Blair above on iFollow and on the EFL iFollow app.
Tickets for Tuesday's game against Exeter are on sale online and from the ticket office. Buy in advance before midnight on Monday to save on matchday prices.