NIGEL Clough said the 3-2 defeat at Rotherham was cruel on his Brewers team.
Albion created the best chances and scored two stunning goals through Jamie Murphy and Oliver Sarkic but still left empty handed.
The Brewers manager said: “We were very unfortunate as we played exceptionally well today. To come to the league leaders and create so many chances and to lose is very harsh. We made a couple of defensive errors, missed a couple of chances and that’s the difference in the game today. It doesn’t detract from the performance at all.”
Clough thought two crucial moments ultimately cost Albion.
“The chance we missed at 2-2, and Lucas Akins knows he must score that, and when we get 1-0 ahead through a wonderful goal from Jamie Murphy we give the ball away unnecessarily and they get an equaliser- they were key moments in the game.”
Clough was pleased with the quality of the goals the Brewers scored.
“Jamie can change games with the things he does and already has scored two goals and you can see his quality.
“We were a bit disappointed conceding from a corner as we highlighted that threat. But the way we responded was brilliant again straight down the other end.
“I thought the balance of the team and everything today was good with the full backs joining in and creating chances.
“You can see from the performance today how close we are and sometimes you just need a little break. Lesser teams wouldn’t have punished us like Rotherham did but that’s why they are top of the league and setting the standard at the moment.
“If you do make a little mistake, they have the quality to punish you and their home record is outstanding.
“If you are going to lose games then at least lose it that way having a go at the league leaders, creating chances right to the end. If we keep playing like that we won’t be far away.”