Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill described his side's 3-1 defeat at home to Sheffield United a "kick in the teeth".
Matt Done scored twice as the Blades emerged victorious at Ashton Gate, but City retained their four-point lead at the top of the table as Swindon Town and MK Dons were both beaten.
However, Cotterill conceded that the mood around the Robins squad may be flat after the result.
He is quoted by the club's official Twitter feed as saying: "It wasn't meant to be and it's a bit of a kick in the teeth. We've not lost any ground and we haven't gained any. It's disappointing because of what might have been.
"We haven't had too many setbacks throughout the season. The mood might be a little flat in training tomorrow. What's important now is how we bounce back."
City's only goal came from Matt Smith, who has now scored 13 goals in as many games since joining on loan from Fulham.
