The FA Cup brought Barnsley their finest moments last term and Davey was eyeing something similar in the League Cup but his side fell at the first fence with Tuesday night's setback.

The country's premier cup competition may yet offer compensation but Davey admits the 2-0 loss at Crewe was very hard to take.

"I'm devastated to have not won the game," said Davey.

"I picked a side to win the game but this has got to be put behind us. A lot of fans came down and I feel sorry for all them as well.

"If you can get any positive out of the game, then I felt Diego Leon played well and was bright for us."

Crewe sealed their progression with first-half penalties from Michael O'Connor and Anthony Elding, Darren Moore felling striker Tom Pope for the first spot kick after 12 minutes.

Leon almost pulled the Tykes level three minutes later, but keeper Steve Collis managed to push his free-kick on to the crossbar.

Leon continued to worry the home defence and almost levelled on the half-hour mark when he met Martin Devaney's cross at the far post with a well-struck volley which whistled wide of the net.

Crewe were then handed their second penalty in the 36th minute when Rob Kozluk felled Byron Moore and former Leeds player Elding drilled the ball home.

Barnsley had their chances, Devaney cut inside Billy Jones but was denied by Collis and Dennis Souza headed over as the Tykes tried to get back into the game.

Some superb last-ditch defending then denied Leon again after the break before Collis dived low to keep out his follow-up shot.

"We had the chances to win it three times over but if you don't take your chances that is what happens," said Davey.

"I've got no dispute with the penalties.

"I am very disappointed and to go out at this round is a disaster for us.

"We didn't play well in the first half. In the second half there was only one team in it but the damage was already done."

Also on show for Barnsley was Davey's latest impressive capture in the transfer market – former Dutch under-21 striker Maceo Rigters who has joined the club on a season long loan from Blackburn.

Rigters made headlines in the 2007 under-21 European Championships by scoring four goals in five games to win the Golden Boot.

He was subsequently snapped up by Blackburn for an undisclosed fee from NAC Breda.

Rigters struggled to make an impact at Blackburn and after a handful of appearances he went on loan to Norwich where he then tore his hamstring after just 15 minutes against Bristol City.

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