"We were excellent in the first half tonight," Boothroyd told the club's official website after the game.
"We played it long, direct and through the thirds of the pitch when we needed to. We really carved them up constantly and looked a very, very good side.
"In the second half, we didn't do those things. They saw that we were a little hesitant and took advantage, putting us under real pressure.
"Like everyone, I would have preferred us to have scored three or four before half-time and closed out the game. But we didn't and that's okay. It's just another step forward for our learning. We've got to make sure we get right for Sheffield at the weekend.
"We're better than what we showed in the second half but even I would have paid to watch us before half-time - and I'm a tight Yorkshireman!"