Brian Laws was left dismayed by his team's first half performance but proud of the comeback his side made after the break in a pulsating Sheffield derby at Bramall Lane.

Hosts Sheffield United went ahead with their first shot of the game in the seventh minute through Jamie Ward and doubled their lead quarter of an hour in through Darius Henderson. Matters worsened further just before half time when Lewis Buxton headed into his own net but the Owls mounted an impressive attempt to snatch a result from the 3-0 half time deficit.

Marcus Tudgay pulled one back within a minute of the restart and substitute Etienne Esajas netted a second with a long-range free kick. Wednesday forged good opportunities to draw level in the Steel City duel but ultimately couldn't overcome the frustrations of the first half.

"It is not pleasant to lose a game like this because pride is at stake," the Owls boss said. "We do not need to think that it will have any effect on our season because it is a one-off game but it is certainly difficult to take losing this match."

"They scored with their first shot of the game. Sheffield United had five shots in the first half and scored from three of them - one was deflected and one was an own goal. There was a suggestion of a foul on Lewis Buxton but there was a lot of things that I wasn't happy with in the first half.

"It was important that we were reactive in a game like this and we certainly weren't reactive for the first goal. We practise that in training but it didn't happen in the match tonight. We need to tighten up in that aspect - defensively, and particularly winning the second ball."

Laws was again encouraged by his side's attacking prowess with Marcus Tudgay and Etienne Esajas causing significant problems for the Blades.

"Again we've shown that we've got goals in us but it was too late. We had ten attempts on goal in the second half and eight of them were on target so we have restored a bit of pride.

"It needed a rollicking at half time because it could have gone two ways. We could have been on the end of a drubbing or we could have restored pride for our fans. I am glad that we did the latter and overall it would have been a great game to watch for any neutrals."

Laws admitted Etienne Esajas, should have been on the pitch at the start of the game, noting the impact made by the Dutch winger after the break, whilst also heaping praise on centre half Richard Wood.

"We had talked about starting with Etienne and managers have to pick the team so I will admit that I could have done better with my team selection tonight. He certainly put in a performance in the second half that sparkled so I must give him credit for that because he has pushed himself into the forefront of my thoughts."

"I have to give particular credit to Richard Wood for his performance tonight because he has been injured and ill this week. He has only had one proper meal in the last four days and was vomiting yesterday and today. It was touch and go whether he could start but the performance he put in shows just what kind of character he is."