Conor Hourihane was delighted for Barnsley’s defenders after a first clean sheet in 26 games but would have preferred the win he felt his team deserved at bottom club Port Vale.
The Reds drew 0-0 with Adam Phillips missing a penalty, then the visitors missed a series of chances.
Hourihane said: “We absolutely should have won it. There was only one team going to win it. They had a bit of a spell for five or six minutes at the start of the second half after they made a change. But other than that, we limited them to very little and the lads at the back did really well. They did the basics of the game well when the rain came down in the second half.”
Barnsley have taken four points from games at bottom three sides Rotherham and Port Vale this week.
He added: “The lads were brilliant and they have been for the last two games. Coming into Rotherham, we were going through a patch we weren’t happy with and I asked them for two big performances. Everyone thinks we should just turn up and beat these teams because of the position they are in but it’s not the case at all they are fighting for their lives. They have put in two very very good performances. It should have been six points but it wasn’t to be.”
Barnsley’s penalty was their first in 33 league games but ex-Red Joe Gauci saved Phillips’ effort.
“We have not had penalty for a long, long time and I fancied Phillo to score it every day of the week. He’s been very very good and led by example as captain this week. It’s good to see because when he’s at his best he’s very very good player for the level.”
Asked if the wait for a penalty put pressure on Phillips, Hourihane told the Chronicle: “I don’t think so. Phillo scored at the weakened he’s in great form and confidence. He had a strong game tonight.
“You score some, you miss some. I have missed many, the best payers in the world miss penalties. It was just a moment where Gauci got the better of him.
Gauci had a good night and he’s a good goalkeeper.”
The penalty was one by Vimal Yoganathan who had a strong game.
“Vimal was our best player. He was really really impressive - landing on things driving forward with the ball, really energetic. When the pressure is on in these games people expect you to win, you have Bland (Jono Bland), Vimal and Patrick Kelly – the future of the football club – in the middle of the pitch and I think they have bossed both games. They are growing from boys to men and it’s good to see.”
It was Barnsley’s first clean sheet in 26 games. Hourihane said: “We could say we’re very happy with the clean sheet but I would have preferred a 2-1 win. It’s pleasing for the lads at the back who have worked relentlessly hard.”
Mael de Gevigney dropped out of the side with Marc Roberts coming in at centre-back.
“Mael has a gash on his head from the Burton game. With our busy schedule it keeps opening every game and it’s not good for him. He had to sit out a game and we’re hoping it closes for Saturday.
“Robbo was ready to go as the good professional he is and the game suited him down to the ground he was really good. The last time we were here we got beat 5-0 in the Vertu Trophy and he was part of that so his performance was really pleasing.”
Top-scorer David McGoldrick missed the game with his hamstring issue.
“We’re hoping he will be involved on Saturday. It will be touch and go, at best he will potentially be on the bench. If he has a good couple of good days we may see him involved.”
