Conor Hourihane was delighted with a win in his final week as Barnsley head coach and a ‘real professional performance’ in a 1-0 success at Northampton Town.

Reyes Cleary scored against the relegated Cobblers while the Reds kept a fourth clean sheet of the season to move up to 13th in League One.

Hourihane said: “It was just important to win before the season was out. I didn't want the season to fall by the wayside and not put in some performances that would mean getting some positive results.

“I just thought it was a really professional performance. I asked the lads to go out there and win a game of football for everyone, for fans, for staff, for coaching staff, for medical staff, for kit men, for themselves, fans who obviously travelled and fans who were at home.

“I think it's really important for everyone that you never take for granted any win in this game. I just thought we looked like a better side. Just more solid, limited them to very few chances.

“We probably could have got another to make it that little bit more comfortable but look, it's just nice to win. We haven't won enough over the course of the season.”

Cleary got the winner with his first goal in 15 games.

“I felt like in the last three, four games, he's getting back to something like he was pre-January. He had a real involvement in the goal against Luton, even though it wasn't an assist.

“But he was really causing problems on their right-hand side of the pitch, our left. I just feel like he's come through a little bit of a slump.

“And he's probably getting to the stage now where the season's probably ending at a time where he's just getting back into that little bit of form. He'll be pleased with tonight's work.

“Let's not forget his age. Still very, very young. Still learning. First proper year in the Football League, really. We've relied on him to play so many minutes. It's been a real big one for Reyes in terms of his development.“

He added: “I've been looking for a little bit more quality in the final third over the last few games.

“Stevenage, we didn't score. Luton, we could have had more if we showed that ruthlessness.

“Tonight we had one moment of quality. I would like to have had a couple of more.

“I think when that one moment comes, Reyes was pretty ruthless.”

Academy product Kieren Flavell replaced loanee Owen Goodman in goal.

“I am delighted for him. And he'll play again on Saturday. We said that he'll get the last couple of games.

“He'll probably get worked more on Saturday. There's no getting away from that.

“But what he did tonight was really solid and great for him.”

Hourihane added: “It was the right time. Obviously Flav got an extra game against Burton as well that wasn't expected through Owen's own situation.

“It was planned that Flav would get the last two games and he's obviously had the Burton game as well. So great for him tonight to go and play and keep the clean sheet.”

Adam Phillips dropped to the bench with an ankle issue then came on at half-time for Tom Bradshaw who hurt his Achilles.

“Phillo was a real doubt to even be involved tonight, if I'm honest. He hasn't touched the grass since Saturday's game against Luton. His ankle's really, really swollen. He took a knock in the game. And that was one of the reasons why he come off against Luton at the weekend. There's always context behind team selections.

“Tom Bradshaw was feeling his Achilles at half time.

“So I asked Philo, could you do 45 minutes for me? I didn't want to make him do 45 to be honest.

“I would have probably given Tom Bradshaw another 15 or 20 and then bring Philo on. But we had to do that a little bit earlier.

“So really fortunate to have Philo even available tonight because there was a stage Sunday-Monday where I thought he wouldn't even make the game.

“He's been great. Me and Philo have got a real good relationship.

“I'm always pushing him for more because I know his quality and I know the impact he has. Look, not as much of an impact tonight, even though he could have nicked one at the back stick.

“It could have been easy for Philo not to be involved tonight.

“But he was like ‘no, I want to be there and I want to try and get on the pitch.’ And he probably just got a few extra minutes than we all had planned.”