Conor Hourihane praised his Barnsley side’s courage and character to come back to beat Leyton Orient 3-2 on Saturday while admitting they rode their luck at times.

The Reds took the lead through Reyes Cleary in a dominant first 30 minutes but conceded two sloppy goals before half-time. Jon Russell levelled off the bench then Davis Keillor-Dunn scored a winner after a defensive error.

Head coach Hourihane said: “The first half an hour was brilliant. We were really, really good and created a couple of chances.

“We conceded two poor goals and never got to grips with coming back from that until half-time. Half-time came at a good time to breathe, give instructions, let everyone have a breather from the carnage of the last 15 minutes. I felt the game was there for us.

“I am really proud of how they took that on and showed courage to come back. We had good opportunities in the second half and you feel: will a goal come to put under pressure?

“It took until later to get second goal, from a well-worked set play we do in training. The third goal is a little bit of a lapse in concentration from them but it’s the luck you need. We showed a lot of character.”

The poor goals conceded were a repeat of Tuesday’s defeat in Lincoln. Hourihane said: “It was similar to Tuesday but half-time came at a good time. The learning from Tuesday was how to regroup then come back.

“The goals we’re giving away are poor goals at poor moments from poor decision-making. We need to go back to basics. It’s down to concentration and focus.”

Cleary got the first goal and assisted the next two. Hourihane said: “He’s been fantastic, he’s really exciting and such a threat. He had a quieter game on Tuesday, up against an experienced right-back. He text me after saying ‘gaffer can I have a chat on Thursday about how can I be more unpredictable?’ Then he goes out on Saturday and does that. He’s putting the work in.”

Orient thought they had equalised but Alfie Lloyd’s goal was ruled out for an alleged foul on Jack Shepherd. Hourihane said: “Potentially we were maybe a little bit lucky with that one. I won’t say there was no foul but late on we conceded a chance, they shot over the bar, and we definitely had a bit of luck with that one. It’s nice to get the luck on your side.”

Davis Keillor-Dunn said: “In the first half I felt of the most comfortable I’ve ever been. It was a lapse in contestation and shows quality in this league. Con calmed everyone down at half-time.

“The boys have taken ownership with the mishaps in the game. We have a young hungry team, trying to press high and we’re learning. Ultimately we have three points which is all that matters, we showed character and it’s a happy dressing room.”