Chris Coleman was disappointed his side conceded so close to half-time as Fulham were beaten 4-1 by Everton at Goodison Park.
The Cottagers went ahead through Carlos Bocanegra, but three goals before the break had the home side in command.
Coleman felt the third goal, scored by James Vaughan just before half-time, was crucial in deciding the outcome of the match.
However, the Fulham boss was full of praise again for his side’s effort as they looked to claw their way back into the game in the second 45.
“I think the third goal before half-time was very naive on our part,” Coleman said.
“We’ve got 60 seconds to get to half-time and just through naivety we gave away a third poor goal which is disappointing.
“But to be fair to the guys, second half we went right back at them, none of the lads disappeared and in terms of effort we can’t ask for any more because they’re giving it what they’ve got.
“I don’t think the balance of the game was a 4-1.
“The guys are trying too hard and then they get a bit erratic in their decision making, throwing men forward and not stopping crosses.
“At the minute we’re looking for the next win and it’s within touching distance but what we mustn’t do is panic.”
Defeat leaves Fulham four points outside the relegation zone after Charlton climbed out of the bottom three with a draw earlier on Good Friday.
Coleman was left to rue the fact that his side could have all but secured their Premiership status had they held onto their early lead.
He added: “We are sucked in already. A win tonight could have taken us 11th, that’s why we went for it really.
“But we’re still in there now, Charlton are on a good run but it’s up to us to get that next win, its no use going out and playing for a draw.”
