Barnsley boss' scathing verdict on his side's loss against Preston ahead of FA Cup visit to Portsmouth

The Championship strugglers were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at home against Preston North End on Tuesday night.

The damage was done in the first half, with Tom Barkhuizen’s double and Daniel Johnson’s strike condemning the Tykes to defeat.

Despite an upturn in results since Struber succeeded Daniel Stendel at the Oakwell helm in November, the Austrian felt Barnsley took a step backwards in their loss to the Lilywhites.

The Tykes travel to Fratton Park on Saturday in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

And with the Blues targeting an upset, Struber has demanded his troops up their standards for the tie.

He told the Barnsley Chronicle: ‘This was absolutely the worst performance since I have been here in Barnsley. The first half was not our standard and we did not play in a professional style.

‘It was not good enough to pick up points or to stay in the league. It was absolutely not my style and not the style the team should show the fans.

‘I cannot say the right words about the first half. It is a new feeling for me. It’s a raven black day for me and my players.

‘We will do a lot of hard work this week and I will have a talk with one or two players who did not play to our standards.

‘Fans go home after a game at Barnsley and they are not happy with the mistakes and the body language and the conviction of the players.

‘It is my responsibility and the responsibility of the players to change this. This is one step back but we can show on Saturday that we make two steps forwards. I believe in my team 100 per cent.’

Pompey will be without Cameron McGeehan for the Cup tie.

He joined the Blues on loan from Barnsley earlier this month and is unable to play against his parent club.

Former Fratton favourite Conor Chaplin, however, is set to start of the Tykes.