Conor Hourihane was disappointed with Barnsley’s sloppiness on the ball in the 1-0 loss at Stevenage on Tuesday but said: ‘we could have got something from the game.’

The hosts scored midway through the first half and created easily the better chances.

Hourihane told the Chronicle: “I thought the lads gave me everything as always and could have got something from the game.

“I felt like we had some decent opportunities. We had a goal, obviously, given offside that was onside (Adam Phillips in the second half) .”

He added: “We were loose and a bit sloppy on the ball which created our own downfall really.

“We were not up to our standards that I would expect on the ball particularly. One of the things that we've been quite good at over the course of the season.

“They defend their box really, really well and they don't give too much away. Overall really disappointing.

“I thought we were in a good place coming into the game. Off the back of the week that we had prior to it.

“We always knew it was going to be a tough game. But in the end we felt like our performance just wasn't up to the level we or I would like to get something from it.”

Barnsley lost the ball many times in defence including Marc Roberts for the winner.

“Poor execution. It’s a frustrating one and Robbo will be disappointed with that.

"But look, everyone makes mistakes. It's part of the game.”

Hourihane started four centre-backs across the back four but brought two off at half-time.

“I think we expected them to go a little bit more direct. They throw a lot of balls in the box, set plays, and we wanted to have as much height as possible on the pitch.

“But then the way the first half panned out, I thought we were sloppy on the ball. And they weren't peppering us with loads of long throws like we thought might be the case.

“So we just wanted to go for the game and kind of go a little bit more attacking. And the substitutions that come on obviously made a big impact.

“And that's what all subs have to do when they come on the pitch, make an impact. And it just wasn't a good enough impact to get something from it.”

Kelechi Nwakali - who has not played this season - came off the bench as did Georgie Gent who has barely featured with Hourihane questioning his professionalism. With Hourihane set to leave next month, he has agreed to play them.

“It's only right for everyone now to look forward onto the new season, onto the new manager, whatever that's going to look like. So I think it's only right really that, in the discussions between myself and the club, we were all in agreement that for the last four games, could we look further afield and that was part of the negotiation.

“Clearly, they're going to be a little bit behind on that (match fitness). And that's going to be frustrating for them.

"I thought the both of them weren't miles away from the pace of the game. They were not out of sorts, they look no different than the rest.

“It's good for them to be getting minutes.”

Hourihane said Josh Earl was rested after returning from injury and playing three times. He hopes top-scorer David McGoldrick will return from injury this season.

“We're hoping so. We were hoping that the injury would have cleared up by now. But look, we have to understand the circumstances.

“It's not quite ready when it's a kind hamstring injury. It can take a little bit of time.

“His age as well, obviously, comes into the factor a little bit as well. So we're really hoping so.

“We've got three games to go now and me more than anyone would love to see Didzy out there for the last couple of games.”