Conor Hourihane was ‘delighted’ with Barnsley’s 2-1 win at Doncaster Rovers which ended a five-match wait for a league victory.
The Reds took the lead through Vimal Yoganathan then, after the hosts levelled, Davis Keillor-Dunn won it.
Hourihane told the Chronicle: “I am delighted. It’s great to come out on the right side of a really tight game. We haven’t had that too many times this season. The lads put in a real positive performance with and without the ball.
“Young players are being guided by David McGoldrick, Marc Roberts and Luca Connell. I thought we looked really hungry and energetic. I am really pleased and proud.
“There is a real buzz as always when you win games. I think the squad is in a real positive place. I think the squad are really enjoying the work, I push them all the time for more and I am really proud of them today. There has been a little bit of frustration in terms of league result but that’s always going to come. We’re never going to go through season flying all the time.”
It was Barnsley’s first league win in six games.
Hourihane said: “I don’t think we were on a bad run. Obviously we beat United (Manchester United under 21s) and York in the cups, it’s been a little bit stop-start in the league. We had a really positive result at Bradford and the one real disappointing result was Rotherham. We wanted to come here today in front of packed away end and put on a strong performance. I thought we did that.
“We showed real character and togetherness to come through it.”
Keillor-Dunn came off the bench to get the winner having been ill in the build-up. He has ten goals in all competitions this season.
Hourihane said: “It’s a brilliant record. He’s a real focal point for us in terms of starting the press and obviously with the ball as well. He’s a natural goal-scorer and he’s always done that since I’ve had the role. He’s a brilliant guy, brilliant character, and a big part of the squad for sure.”
Nathanael Ogbeta has also been ill and came on at half-time for debutant Jake Rooney who played out of position at left-back.
Hourihane said: “It was difficult. Nate was struggling in the week.
“We don’t have a natural left back. George Gent is coming back from a long injury. We thought Roons was the one to do it. It’s not easy coming up against a flying winger who is one of their best players. I thought Nate could play the second 45 minutes and he did great.”
Doncaster thought they should have had a penalty for a foul on Billy Sharp but Hourihane highlighted a clash between the striker and Jack Shepherd early on.
“I’ve played with Billy and have nothing but admiration for him. But the incident in the first half is quite nasty so that was our talking point over the penalty. He left a little bit on Shep.”
On the 3,000 away fans, Hourihane said: “I love winning games for this club and for the fans. Our connection is really, really strong. I want the lads to feel that buzz the lads give you as many times as possible. We’ve played Bradford, Rotherham, York and Doncaster in a short space of time in derbies and not come out of it too shabby.”
Midfielder Jono Bland added: “The main thing is three points. In these games you will be under the cosh occasional. When you come away in a Yorkshire derby, it’s going to be feisty and nasty. The main thing is getting the win and we dug deep.
“It’s a massive win. We haven’t been able to get much of run together but we want to win every game.
“It’s a good step in the right direction and something to build on.”
