Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom admitted his side were second best after their 3-0 loss at Middlesbrough.
Heckingbottom was left to reflect on a lacklustre performance at one of their play-off rivals going into the game and he admitted, his side were not up for the battle.
“I thought we were second best,” Heckingbottom told his post-match press conference.
“Disappointed is the perfect word for me.
“We won`t get to where we want to be with that type of performance.
“The way Boro played upset us and we didn`t compete well enough.
“We weren`t aggressive enough. It was difficult to stop Boro doing what they wanted to do.
“We just didn`t cope with it. That is the disappointing thing.
“We didn`t acquit ourselves well enough. Before the goal they were getting momentum, winning second balls and gaining territory.
“We didn`t stand up well enough.
“Away at Boro on a windy night, their style is totally different. They were really up for it and we were second best.”
Heckingbottom, who only arrived at the club last month, went into the game knowing a win would lift them level on points with their opponents and only three points off a play-off place but they were second best from start to finish.
A hat-trick from Patrick Bamford ensured Middlesbrough claimed the points as Leeds failed to muster a telling shot on target throughout the 90 minutes.
Heckingbottom must now somehow get his side up for the clash against runaway league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on Wednesday.
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