NIGEL Clough says he was "heartened" by the way his team played against Sunderland but disappointed not to have come away with any reward.
The Albion boss said: "We were very much more heartened by the performance today than we were against Sheffield United a week or so ago. We played with energy but once again it was that little bit of quality we are lacking; getting into good situations but not making the most of them but they put in two good crosses that win them the game.
"They were very spirited, resurgent now with a new manager and we copped for that.
"We thought we were going to see it out with seven minutes to go but then they whip an absolutely brilliant cross in and there's not much you can do about a very good set play like that."
The Brewers momentum was checked in the second half with three players coming off with injuries - Joe Sbarra (cramp); Will Miller (tight hamstring) and Sean Scannell (groin).
Clough said: "They were the three playing behind Marvin Sordell so it was bound to disrupt things.
"The back four defended very well and when you have lost these games at home it's time to try something different and look at the youngsters and for large parts of the game it was good.
"Sean Scannell had the most quality and the best chances.
"We were threatening all game until they scored the second goal and I want us to play a bit more ike that. Whatever happens this season I would rather us play more like that."