WANDERERS manager Gareth Ainsworth said last night's defeat by Burton Albion served as a reality check to fans expecting his side to win every week.

The 3-1 loss was only the third Ainsworth's side have suffered in a campaign that's promised much, but for the first time Wanderers found themselves outplayed.

The Blues boss hit out at the sloppy nature of the goals his men conceded, as Albion took advantage of disorganisation and a lack of leadership at the back.

Ainsworth also lamented the fact Wanderers lost out in the midfield battle and forgot all about the passing game that has stood them in such good stead this season.

But he said one bad performance doesn't suddenly make Blues a bad team, and he won't be making any kneejerk reactions in response to their first home loss since August.

Ainsworth said: "It was a tough night at the office. They out-thought and out worked us and they took their chances.

"We had a few things go against us tonight, but we were nowhere near the standards we've set, so that was disappointing.

"We've let some sloppy goals in. We had the chances to put it right but it sometimes doesn't go for you, and it didn't go for us tonight.

"It's the first real poor performance we've had. We didn't get the ball down enough, we didn't get a foot on it. Their midfield dominated our midfield, got their foot on the ball better and played the better passing game, which we've been doing lately.

"It's not always going to be rosy, it's not always going to be three points and easy games. We've done really good jobs on other teams and beaten them convincingly. Tonight is a reality check for everyone."

Danny Rowe - making his first start in two months - and Peter Murphy got in each other's way and lost track of Phil Edwards at a corner, allowing the defender to head Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's side in front in the first half.

Alex MacDonald doubled Burton's advantage with a coolly taken second, and Wanderers looked to be clawing themselves back into the game as Paul Hayes converted a penalty and Hogan Ephraim failed to capitalise on a golden opening.

But more lax defending allowed Albion to add a third, as Rowe and Alfie Mawson both stood off Jacob Blyth and allowed the substitute plenty of time and space to head home the clincher.

Ainsworth said: "I say it was a bad day at the office but we were close to getting back in the game. It wasn't a drubbing, we haven't been absolutely battered.

"When Hayesy put the penalty away I thought, 'Here we go'. I really thought we were going to get back in the game. Hogan had a chance just after that, which flashed just over the bar - if that goes in, we've got a totally different game on our hands.

"That's a good side we've lost to tonight, but we've beaten some good sides as well. I know the next win's just around the corner and the squad I have got are more than capable of getting back on track on Saturday and starting another run."