Conor Hourihane ‘really, really enjoyed’ Barnsley’s second half comeback from 1-0 down to beat Rotherham United 2-1 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.
Jon Russell and Adam Phillips netted for the Reds who trailed at half-time in the second round clash.
Head coach Hourihane said: “I was disappointed with the first half but I get it because it’s difficult when they score then go ten behind the ball and frustrate you. But, in this league, nine times out of ten it opens up in the second half. Our subs (Phillips and Nathanael Ogbeta) made a big difference. I didn’t want to bring on the couple I brought on so early but I think the game needed the players sitting behind me in terms of their pace and looking after the ball. I thought we could get the crowd behind us and we would create chances.
“I really, really enjoyed the second half, with and without the ball. I said that to the lads.”
Hourihane was pleased with the response from Saturday’s loss at Wimbledon in the league.
“I said to the lads that good squads and good teams don’t lose two in a row whether that is in the league or cup. I made a big point about that. It’s a big positive because you want to turn that winning feeling around pretty quickly.”
Hourihane said he did not get angry with his side at half-time.
“You have to pick and choose when to have a go at them. If you do it all the time it becomes white noise. Today was a little bit of a calmer approach with the subs and asking them to crank it up a couple of gears. Full credit to them, they were brilliant. We rode our luck in the first half but second half we were very good value for scoring a couple.”
On the third round draw, Hourihane said: “It’s just nice to be able to watch the draw tomorrow hoping for a big one. That’s what everyone wants. When you are in League One, you don’t get to play the big boys very regularly. Fingers crossed for everyone involved that we get an enjoyable tie.”
Barnsley are unbeaten so far at home this season, winning three and drawing one in all competitions.
“It’s been very very pleasing. Without making a big issue of it in the press or in house it’s just happened naturally. I am delighted for the fans because they’ve not had too many home wins for a while.”
There is now less than a week before transfer deadline day on Monday. Hourihane said: “It can change so quick. Today things picked up a little bit, not just from us but your phone is going more and more and, over the next couple of days, it will crank up again. Whether something happens before the weekend, let’s see. But we’re still hoping for a couple of bodies which are important for the squad.”
