Boss Jim Magilton felt his side lacked creativity and looked tired during the 1-1 home draw with Sheffield United.
Magilton said: "We started pretty brightly and moved the ball well but the fact we didn't get an early goal gave them confidence.
"They began to get a foot hold in the game and we gave the ball away too cheaply for their goal, which was poor from our point of view.
"In the second half we showed a lot of character and I thought we'd go on to win.
"Overall it wasn't a game for the purists. I can't fault our effort but we lacked a bit of composure and quality and just didn't have enough in our locker.
"We had the capacity to hurt them but just didn't have enough craft or guile and looked a bit leg weary at times.
"But we'll move on and take a point against probably the most underachieving side in the Championship.
"There are 10 games to go though and we are in there with a shout. There will be twists and turns along the way, but we have made huge strides since last season and if we keep believing, keeping our standards up, we will be in with a chance of a top six finish."
Blades boss Kevin Blackwell was happy with his side's display but was disappointed not to get his inaugural victory: "I came very close to getting my first win. It's been a tough start but the players responded brilliantly after losing 2-0 against Charlton on Saturday.
"We were abject in that game but much better tonight and we knew we had to compete otherwise we'd get rolled over.
"I was very pleased with the players' attitudes after questions were asked at the weekend and we maybe edged the game slightly."