Barnsley boss David Flitcroft has admitted that his side simply "couldn't handle" the physicality of Bristol City's Jon Stead and Steven Davies in their 5-3 defeat.
Stead netted twice while Davies, Liam Fontaine and Lewin Nyatanga added the other strikes as City were rampant in attack.
Flitcroft told reporters: "I knew our great run had to end somewhere but the way it ended surprised me. The goals we conceded were very poor.
"We couldn't defend set-pieces and it is back to the training ground in that respect, and we couldn't handle City's strikers.
The defeat leaves Barnsley just two points clear of the relegation zone in the Championship in 21st place.
