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Adam Le Fondre: We must learn from Rams

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Wolves striker Adam Le Fondre believes Derby set the standard that the team must reach if they're to win promotion this season.

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Paul Clement's team won comfortably at the iPro with goals from Chris Martin, Bradley Johnson and Johnny Russell helping them to a 4-2 victory.

Le Fondre notched his third goal in Wolves colours to one back for Kenny Jackett's team in the second half, but earlier defensive errors had cost them dearly.

And Le Fondre said the period just before half time was where Wolves let the game get away from them.

"At 1-1 we were in the ascendancy, we were pressing, we looked like the team that was going to break through," he said.

"Jason Shackell's made a great block from me on the line, then we've given away a sloppy goal and the penalty just before half-time.

"If we go in at 2-1 we can just set ourselves up for the second half but we've gone in 3-1 down with a sloppy goal from a corner after Emi's made a great save from the penalty.

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"I think that's taken a little bit out of us."

Derby spent around £15m with the likes of Tom Ince, Andreas Weimann and Bradley Johnson all being signed for big money.

And Le Fondre was impressed with the East Midlands side.

"We tried to come out for the second half but we've not got going, they've come out flying and if you give a team like Derby those sort of goals they're going to punish you," he added.

"They've got great players, Chris Martin was outstanding, they had a £5m player on one wing, a £5m midfielder, they've got quality in depth and that's the standard we've got to get to as a team. We're disappointed with the way we defended.

"We had a good spell in the first half at 1-1 and looked like the team that was going to go on and do something.

"With key moments in the game, a a team you've got to have the experience and game management to see that out and unfortunately we've not done that."

Wolves now host Brentford and Middlesbrough in successive games over the next six days as they look to get back on track. Jackett's team are 11th in the standings, five points away from the play-offs.

And on-loan Cardiff striker Le Fondre said it was important that the team reacted positively after the Derby defeat.

"We've got to react now as a team and show big character, it's what the Championship's all about," he added.

Adam Le Fondre of Wolverhampton Wanderers and George Thorne of Derby County

"There are two quality teams coming up, Brentford were fantastic last season and have had an indifferent start and changed manager, but they're always going to pose a threat.

"Obviously Middlesbrough are not too dissimilar to Derby in that they've spent a lot of money and have a lot of quality and will be a good test for us at home.

"But on the day our team's brilliant at home. If we cut out the defensive errors as a team we'll be right up there."

For Wolves manager Kenny Jackett, it was a rude awakening after the side's run of back-to-back 3-0 wins, which were part of a four-match unbeaten run.

"Derby away is always a tough game, but just accepting their qualities isn't something we just do – we have to improve and try to get better," he said. "You have to have a realism when you come here that your work around your own box needs to be better than it was.

"We need to try and respond now and we have two home games although they will both be difficult as they always are.

"Winning consistently in the Championship is tough but there are good things we can take out of today going into these two games. We have to be honest as well though – there are certain things we need to improve if we are to be a force at this level. And that has to come through on Wednesday."