Darrell Clarke felt Barnsley deserved a point at Wrexham and called the hosts’ late winner a ‘kick in the teeth.’
The second-placed hosts netted in the 93rd minute after a fairly dull game.
Head coach Clarke said: “We deserved a point. We had a few tired bodies with the exertions on Saturday.
“We didn’t look in danger of losing. I don’t think we did as well with our forward play. We weren’t aggressive enough. We had a great chance with Fabio (Jalo). The game was tightly contested – two good teams had a very competitive game. We’re disappointed with their goal. It’s a real kick in the teeth.”
Oliver Rathbone smashed a low shot from 25 yards into the bottom corner. Clarke said: “We dive in at the top end and get beaten too easy then we haven’t covered the midfield area and haven’t closed down the shot. It’s probably a one in 50 shot from that range on his weaker foot.
“Sometimes things go like that but we have to make sure we stay strong and stay together. We have a massive game coming on Saturday (at home to Birmingham) and we will try to get the three points.”
Clarke added: “We were pretty strong defensively against a team who ask you lots of questions, have a formidable home record and have a lot of momentum as a football club. Their assistant manager (former Reds boss Steve Parkin) said we’re the best team who have come down this season. We’re not a million miles away but we’re just in a frustrating period.
“I have massive confidence in this group that we will put runs together. We just have to believe in the work we’re doing.”
Vice-captain Marc Roberts added: “It’s getting frustrating. The lads are really down. We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. But I feel sorry for the supporters. They travel in numbers and give us incredible support. We had a suckerpunch at the end against a good team. I feel like we edged the game, especially the first half. We just have to be more ruthless.
“I get fans will be frustrated. I heard a few boos at the end. I get it. They want to see us winning, playing exciting football and some good goals. We want that as well. If we keep performing as we are, I would hope the rub of the green would go our way.”
Jalo came off the bench and had the best chance but his shot was tipped over by Mark Howard. Clarke said: “We looked leggy in the second half. I was trying to freshen it up and you want an impact. Fabio had a bit of impact with a great chance. We want more from others who come on.”
Barnsley goalkeeper Ben Killip made several saves. Clarke said: “The saves were pretty comfortable, from long distance. He’s done what he needed to do. Their ‘keeper pulled off the best save of the game from Fabio. Ben didn’t have a great deal to do.”
More than 1,200 supporters made the midweek trip to Wales. Clarke said: “I am gutted for the fans. They were tremendous again. We will try to put some smiles back on their faces Saturday at home.”
