REYES Cleary has given a detailed explanation of his role in both Barnsley’s goals at Wycombe Wanderers and knows they will bounce back from the late comeback which saw them go from 2-0 up on 88 minutes to draw 2-2.
The 21-year-old winger had been a substitute for Conor Hourihane’s Reds in League One since signing a long-term deal in the summer after leaving West Bromwich Albion.
His first career start in the EFL on Saturday was followed 25 minutes later by his first EFL goal, as he tackled Wycombe centre-back Connor Taylor and went clean through to beat the goalkeeper and open the scoring.
Cleary told the Chronicle: “As a team, we know once the ball goes back to the ‘keeper, we put pressure on.
“Midway through the half, I could see the centre-back wasn’t as comfortable on the ball.
“He took a touch but didn’t check or scan.
“I hit high speed, he panicked and I won it off him.
“I just had to pick a corner and put it in.”
The second goal saw Cleary run down the left wing to chase a heavy long ball from defender Jack Shepherd, making up several yards on Wycombe’s Fin Back who he left on the floor before setting up Jono Bland to hit the post then the ball was eventually put in by Davis Keillor-Dunn.
Cleary told the Chronicle: “At first it was a case of helping the defence out.
“Shep was under pressure and just put it in the space for someone.
“When the defender was ahead of me, I thought I had no chance.
“Then he slowed down a bit and I know what high speed I can hit.
“When I got to the ball, I knew he would commit himself because he’s already lost the footrace.
“I went to cross it but he slipped so I just kept calm and saw Blandy on the edge of the box.
“I couldn’t catch my breath after that run but I was just hoping it went in eventually and it did.”
Cleary came off after 65 minutes with ‘a little bit of cramp’ and saw his side concede in the 88th and 93rd.
“I was glad to finally get my first start in the league, get the first goal and help towards the second.
“The result is not great but we’re heading in the right direction attacking-wise.
“We will adjust a few things defensively. We’re in a good spell even though results haven’t been what we wanted.
“Even though I’ve scored and done well, my main goal is to get better in training. I have worked hard, waited for my chance and I want to stay in the team and keep taking my chances.”
Barnsley are now midway through a two-week international break.
Cleary said: “It would have helped to have a game this weekend to put things right and get a win. But, at the same time, coming off a few losses and a draw, we need to reset and recharge. But the first day we’re back in, we will hit the ground running. We know which way we’re going and that way is forward.”
