Darren Moore says Albion's third game in a week resulted in his side's below par performance against fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United.
The visitors took the lead when Kieran Dowell headed home from a counter attack in the 14th minute.
Albion huffed and puffed but struggled to create any clear cut chances and missed the gap to overtake United in the league.
“They got the all-important goal and then they made it difficult by getting men behind the ball," said Moore.
“They had something to hold on to and we ran out of steam.
“Maybe the game was one too far in the end, given the heavy recent schedule.
“We needed a little bit more energy to get around the pitch and we didn’t have that for whatever reason.
“The players gave everything and I can’t ask much more than that.
“They tried everything to try and get back into the game and on another night, I’m sure that we score goals.
“I thought their keeper pulled off a good couple of saves to take pressure off them.
“My players tried and tried again but we just didn’t get that final touch.
“It’s really important that we rest, recover and get back on track next week.”