Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom was disappointed with his side's performance at St James' Park, but reflected upon a satisfactory season for the South Yorkshire club.
He said: "When the fixtures came out, with me living in the area down in Barnsley and speaking to fans, people working for the club, the board, the phrase that kept coming out was, 'I hope we've not got to go to Newcastle and get something to stay up'.
"It never came about - at one point, we were chasing the play-offs. Obviously it was tough losing lots of players in January, but we have been competitive ever since as well so it's credit to everyone, all the staff, all the players, how hard everyone has worked.
"On reflection, I have to be really, really pleased, and we have learnt a lot in this season as well."