CONOR Hourihane is expecting a good response to Barnsley’s most disappointing week of the season so far ahead of three games against three former occupants of the Oakwell dug-out.

The Reds are sixth in League One after taking 16 points from their first eight games of the season.

They lost in the 98th minute at Blackpool on Saturday then were beaten 6-0 at home to Premier League Brighton and Hove Albion in the EFL Cup on Tuesday.

They are now due to face Port Vale at Oakwell – where they are unbeaten in the league this season – before starting their EFL Trophy campaign at Notts County on Tuesday.

Head coach Hourihane told the Chronicle: “It’s about accepting what’s gone on over the last couple of games and analysing it and trying to improve.

“But I think with three games this week in terms of Port Vale, Notts County and Wycombe going into the international break, the biggest thing is to have a good solid week.

“The last time we lost a league game, at AFC Wimbledon, we bounced back and had some good results. That’s the message to the players.

“Yes, Blackpool was disappointing then Tuesday as well but obviously the level was extreme.

“We never want to lose two league games in a row.”

Hourihane says confidence has not been knocked by the two losses.

“The lads are in a really good place. I have had some really good conversations over the last couple of days.

“There’s a really good positivity and clear plan of how we’re going to go about our business.

“Over this week particularly, with the three games, how many points and victories can we pick up?”

Hourihane was disappointed with the second half at Blackpool when, having played some excellent football before the break, the Reds struggled badly when the hosts put them under pressure.

Hourihane said: “It comes down to the bravery and courage.

“When a team comes on you that little bit more, we need to have that courage to take the ball all the time and be in our structure so that our passing becomes easier because we know where each other is going to be on the pitch.

“That’s what I’m probably going to be saying.”

Barnsley have only kept one clean sheet in 11 games this season, at Peterborough in August.

Hourihane said: “We were seconds away from another clean sheet at Blackpool. We were a couple of minutes away against Bolton.

“There was a mistake late on which Nate (Ogbeta) held his hands up for against Huddersfield. Fine margins and we could have four.

“I don’t think the defenders are getting the rewards for what they are putting into games.

“It’s about staying consistent and not getting too bogged down about not getting a clean sheet.”

After facing Port Vale and Notts County, Barnsley will visit Michael Duff’s Wycombe Wanderers on October 4. Vale’s assistant manager is Martin Devaney who, along with Notts County manager Martin Paterson, were assistants to Duff at Oakwell during the 2022/23 campaign.

After the Wycombe match, there will be a two-week break from action with the home game against Cardiff City postponed due to international call-ups.

After that, the Reds are due to play a series of Yorkshire neighbours as they visit Bradford City on October 18, host Rotherham United on October 25 then visit Doncaster Rovers on November 8.

They are also due to host Manchester United under 21s in the EFL Trophy on October 21 and play in the FA Cup on the first weekend of November.