Conor Hourihane said he was proud of his Barnsley team’s second half display in a 3-2 loss at Bolton Wanderers but admitted they were ‘awful’ in the first and lucky to be just 3-0 down.
Luca Connell and Adam Phillips’ goals dragged the Reds back into the game and they missed a chance to level through Nathanael Ogbeta.
Hourihane said: “It’s a contrast of emotions.
“In the first half we were awful and it could have been four or five easily. We were lucky to go in 3-0, I was thankful it was only 3-0
“We couldn’t live with their intensity, we looked tired and leggy. Potentially because we played in midweek and they didn’t.
“They are on a decent run and fighting for a top two spot. But they came out the traps a lot lot quicker.
“I made changes at half-time and we looked completely different team. I am a little bit disappointed not to get a point. The lads were really, really good in the second half.
“Would we go under or have an attacking output and give ourselves an opportunity to at least put a gloss on the scoreline? We certainly did that and more.”
He added: "I was disappointed with the first half, proud of the second but ultimately we got nothing."
The first two Bolton goals were from left-wing corners.
“Set plays are a massive part of the game and we work so much on them. The goal we scored against Northampton to get back into the game was a set play. It’s disappointing to concede a couple off that. They also had chances from open play and if not for Owen Goodman it could have been four or five.”
What did he say at half-time?
“I didn’t shout or scream. I said I could take any of you off, other than Owen Goodman. I made four subs, organised the press and attacking output then moved onto the second half. There wasn’t too much to say other than how poor we are. With so many changes coming at half-time, there is no time to waste, we just have to organised for the second half.”
Did he consider making changes at half-time?
“Yes and no.
“I feel like the lads out there needed to suffer a bit. I know it doesn’t sound great but they got themselves in a hole and I wanted to see them get out of it. We put Owen Goodman down on purpose to change the press at least.”
Adam Phillips made it five goals in seven games in 2026.
“Adam is in good form. He had a bad illness last week, he came on for half an hour during the week and scored, came on for 45 minutes today and scored. He will be bang in the thoughts heading into Tuesday. He is a good place which is positive.”
Patrick Kelly was rested on the bench but came on at the break.
“I wanted to take him out because he looked tired but I don’t want to have him not in the team because he’s one of our best players. He made a difference and he will be bang in the thoughts for Tuesday.”
Hourihane said none of the four players he took off at the break were injured. Tawanda Chirewa picked up a knock in training and will be out for a week or so.
