Jonathan Woodgate quizzed on supporter backlash and Djed Spence's exclusion after Barnsley defeat

Boro were booed off by the away contingent after Conor Chaplin scored the only goal of the game 17 minutes from time.

The visitors failed to register a shot on target as they slipped to within three points of the Championship relegation zone.

Nearly 4,000 away fans travelled to Oakwell and didn’t hide their feelings after the match.

Boro striker Rudy Gestede appeared to be involved in an argument with a supporter when leaving the field, yet Woodgate said he didn’t see the incident.

When asked what he’d say to supporters after the match, Woodgate said: “Listen, we are going to get hard times. The fans are just as frustrated as we are.

“I appreciate all the support that they give the team and they are going to express their opinions to us and we have to take it on the chin.”

On his side’s performance, Woodgate added: “They played well, we weren’t great at times, didn’t create any opportunities. I thought we lacked that belief to create chances.

“That’s why I need my players to get on the ball, we had a big following today and we didn’t give them anything.

“It’s a really disappointing result for us, they beat Fulham 3-0 and played well. They also played well today but we should have played better.”

Woodgate made four changes to his side following the 1-0 defeat to Luton a week ago, with Djed Spence, 19, dropping out of the squad altogether.

When asked why the full-back wasn’t involved, Woodgate replied: “Listen, Djed’s been doing okay but he needs to do more, he needs to do more.”

“These are young lads and we are in a relegation battle so sometimes you need people who have been there and done it and really fought.

“We are in this situation and I have been playing young players and we are three points off the relegation zone - even though I have been playing younger players.

“Djed played at the weekend, Hayden (Coulson) played at the weekend and we got beat by Luton.”