Reds Head Coach, Gerhard Struber says he was 'proud' of the performance of his players despite seeing Barnsley go down to a late defeat at Ashton Gate.
Despite being without a number of regulars in Saturday's clash with high-flying Bristol City, the Reds gave as good as they got against Lee Johnson's outfit in the cold Bristol sunshine.
Losing all of Sami Radlinger, Clarke Oduor and Bambo Diaby before kick-off, and still unable to call upon the services of Cauley Woodrow, the Reds went into the game as big underdogs but came out of it feeling like they'd been robbed.
Reds boss, Struber says the feeling of sadness at the result shows the recent progress made under his stewardship.
“It’s not so easy for a Barnsley team to get points here." Struber explained. "They (Bristol City) are trying for promotion. So to be leaving here feeling like this, feeling very unlucky and disappointed not to have at least a draw is good feedback for us and shows us we are going in the right direction.
“But we are all disappointed. I told the boys we are happy with the performance. The only thing to be disappointed about is the result. We look forward to the next game and to show what we can do at Oakwell on Tuesday night.”
Barnsley were ahead in all statistical departments during the game, with a succession of missed chances eventually proving their downfall, as the hosts nicked it with three minutes left to play, hitting the Reds on the counter-attack.
But Struber admits that while the defeat was tough to take and the Reds weren't clinical on this occasion, he can't be anything but proud of his side and the way they played against good opposition.
The boss told us post-match: “The performance was great, especially in the second half. I am very proud of my boys. But we lost the game which is very, very disappointing and difficult to accept. We were not in the same killer mood as in the last games when we created good chances but scored the goals. We needed the last pass in this game and shot for the goals.
“This defeat is very painful. I have seen the statistics of the shots we have had. But many parts of the game show me we are on the right path and we are very hopeful for the next games."
Struber finished by again stating his frustration at seeing his side lose late on in a game they dominated but was quick to look towards next week and Preston North End visiting Grove Street.
“Today I saw my team create so many chances, I saw the high competence of my team and how we have developed in my style. The opponent had only long balls in the end but they had individual high quality which can sometimes prove the difference.
"We didn't deserve to lose this game.
"But we have a quick turnaround now and on Tuesday night at home we can hopefully get the goals that our football deserves.”