Conor Hourihane was pleased his decision to put Jack Shepherd at left-back paid off and was glad his Barnsley side ‘suffered’ late on in their win over Exeter.

Shepherd, usually a centre-back, played at left-back before coming off with a knee injury Hourihane hoped was minor. It has been tried previously in a heavy loss at title-contenders Cardiff but worked much better in the 2-1 win against Exeter.

Hourihane told the Chronicle: “I think when we did it the last time, it was Cardiff away, and they're a very good side. And it would have made the day very, very difficult to whoever played at left-back. It's not because it was Shep.

“We wanted to add a little bit more height in the team. The way we play, our left-back doesn't go overlapping and underlapping and all this. So we wanted a secure left-back option.

“They had (Ilmari) Niskanen running in behind a lot. And in the videos that we watched leading up into the game, we knew that they'd go a little bit direct and try and turn it down the channel.

“So with Shep’s physicality around blocking him or winning duels, we thought that would be a good match. He's (Niskanen) not really a dribbler. He's a runner. So if they had a winger that was a real dribbler, I think Shep may struggle with that a little bit more than another full-back.

“But when he's just literally a straight-line runner, I thought Shep could deal with that physically. And it's great when it comes together because I know what people are thinking.

“I know what people are going: “What's this all about? Shep left-back." And he was very, very solid and would have continued to be very solid if he had stayed on the pitch.”

Exeter pulled one back on 75 minutes. Hourihane said: “I was delighted the lads suffered towards the end of the game, if I'm honest.

“I know everyone wants to go and win three and four and make it look easy, but it's not the case at this level or at any level. And I was delighted that the lads suffered and saw that patch through because that grows confidence, that grows character.

“So to come through that kind of, I wouldn't say an onslaught, but a few corners in a row, a few crosses in a row, and to see that moment out was really important for everyone.”

The opener goal was scored by David McGoldrick who now has 16 like Davis Keillor-Dunn who moved to Wrexham last month.

Hourihane: “Davo has been gone for a few games now, so it gives Didzy a chance to catch up.

“He's done it over his career, and he's very experienced, and he's always ready.

“But he's well capable of now going on a big run.”