Boss disappointed with Barnsley performance

Albion lost top-spot in the Championship after crashing to yet another away defeat at Oakwell with Tony Mowbray unable to praise any member of his team. The visitors could have been behind in as little as a minute with Daniel Nardiello hitting a post inside the first sixty-seconds.

Barnsley deservedly took the lead on the half-hour mark when a terrible error from 'Bostin' Cesar gave Nardiello a clear run on goal to stoke the ball home past a static Dean Kiely. The Tykes doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time when a set-piece again caused havoc in the Baggies box with Jonathan Macken scoring in stoppage time.

The Baggies briefly rallied with James Morrison pulling a goal back in the 58^th minute however the travelling support of 3,971 were left disappointed as Albion failed to find an equaliser with a sub-standard show.

"A poor 90 minutes ruined the day," Mowbray said after the defeat.

"There were a lot of below-par performances.

"We got what we deserved from the day.

"Let's give Barnsley credit because they worked hard and did well.

"But we had too many players off form today and well below the standards they have set themselves each week.

"We could have been a goal down inside two minutes and it was an unacceptable first-half performance.

"I made two changes at half-time but, let's be honest, I could have made a lot more.

"There was a lack of quality from us today, which is unlike us.

"We didn't have enough to ultimately get back in the game and take something from it.

"It was a shame for the fans.

"We brought a great following and we didn't repay their support."

Mowbray's men now have the perfect opportunity to amend the Barnsley defeat with Sheffield United and former manager Bryan Robson visiting The Hawthorns on Tuesday with the Albion boss expecting a response from his team.

"The players are aware that I'm looking for a reaction," Mowbray continued.

"We've had a very good season so far and we occasionally slip below the standards we have set ourselves.

"The task now is to get back to where we know we can be and, when we're at our best, I would suggest there is nobody better.

"If you fall behind the standards you set anyone can beat you in this league."