Conor Hourihane believes there was a ‘positive step forward’ in Barnsley’s defending at the weekend despite a 2-1 loss at Huddersfield Town.

The Reds have conceded 50 goals in League One, with only Saturday’s opponents Leyton Orient letting in more.

Hourihane said a fortnight ago he would make defensive changes to improve that record, after which they drew 3-3 with Wimbledon then beat Peterborough 2-1 before losing at Huddersfield.

Hourihane told the Chronicle: “We are starting to see changes a little bit. There were two disappointing moments (at Huddersfield) but overall we looked a little bit more solid, whether that was the gameplan or the team doing their roles properly - probably a little bit of both.

“There was definitely a positive step forward. We don’t want to lose but we’re coming to a top six side and we were there to the bitter end.”

Hourihane dropped Charlie Lennon, the winger signed in January who is yet to make his debut, from the bench. He was replaced by midfielder Vimal Yoganathan as cover for Patrick Kelly and Adam Phillips.

“You try and find the right bench. Phillo and Pat put a big shift in during the week and I felt we needed a couple of extra midfielders on the bench with Blandy (Jono Bland) and Vimal because they (Phillips and Kelly) would be asked to put another big shift in again. Could we share the minutes? The game was so tight that we felt they had to stay on.”

David McGoldrick opened the scoring at Huddersfield with a superb strike then was replaced midway through the second half by Tom Bradshaw.

“Didzy has been fantastic.

“He’s giving me everything. He’s such a focal point to what we do. You try and share minutes, with him and Bradders. In the last half an hour, can Bradders give us more energy to stay in the game?”