Conor Hourihane was delighted with the first clean sheet of his managerial career in Barnsley’s 1-0 win at Peterborough United on Tuesday.

Caylan Vickers netted on the stroke of half-time then the Reds kept a shut-out for the first time in 19 games since February.

Hourihane told the Chronicle: “It’s a relief. When the clock was ticking down you think ‘come on – clean sheet, clean sheet’ and the win obviously. I am delighted for the lads to tick it off, especially so early in the season. I am really really pleased with that.

“We conceded late against Bolton so if we were to have conceded late tonight it would have been a completely different feeling in terms of throwing away leads. I am delighted to have flipped it on its head.”

He added: “I am really proud of the lads at the back for the clean sheet. It’s something we worked really hard at. It will go a long way for us.

“We gave them their chances but other than that, I felt pretty comfortable. They had one little chance right at the end.

“It’s been endless amounts of work on the training ground and in the classroom, reviewing the backline and really breaking down the game. But you don’t get the confidence boost until you see it come through in a game.”

Vickers scored an excellent goal, cutting in from the left and shooting with a deflection off a defender’s head.

“We’re really fortunate to have a talented footballer like Caylan. It took a little deflection but you couldn’t tell it was his weaker foot. Before he signed, I was telling him I would be pushing him for goals and assists. I don't think he got the numbers he deserved at Mansfield. That’s his second goal which is pleasing.”

On the game in general, Conor said: “I said to the lads at half-time we were loose. The goal came at a good time but we came away from the structure I want. We cranked it up in the second half in terms of chances created but didn’t put them away. It should have been a much easier night.”