Barnsley captain Alfie Mawson says he enjoyed scoring the winning penalty at Wigan on Saturday after taking criticism from fans on social media for his recent form.

The centre-back smashed the ball into the top right corner to put the last-placed Reds one round from the Wembley final.

"It was a nice moment to score because I have had a bit of stick on social media lately," said Mawson, 21.

"Some of it has been rightly so because I have not been performing at my best.  My form has dipped and dived this season. As a centre half, if you make a mistake it's heightened.

"I have had criticism before and I'm not bitter about it. I take the comments on board and know that, if people are saying these things, there must be something wrong so you have to work extra hard in training to get it right.  

"It's part and parcel of being a professional footballer which is something I am very proud to be because not many people in the world get to do this job."

Mawson said he was calm when walking to the penalty spot despite knowing how vital the cup run could be.

He said: "I didn't feel any pressure. I was cool as a cucumber because we had played really well and deserved to win.  It was massive win. We're getting closer to Wembley but, more importantly, it was a bit of justice because we have been playing well but not getting the results.

"If we carry on playing like we have been but get even more dogged and ruthless then we'll go up the league. We want to get to Wembley and win there and we also want to pull up the table, which is our main objective.

"To think that we are flirting with relegation is beyond me because it's such a false position for the club, the players and the fans."

Mawson was signed in the summer by head coach Lee Johnson who he insists has the total support of the squad despite the poor results this season.

"Some players might feel some decisions aren't right but we all respect him massively and we will stick with him through the good and bad.

"We are all behind Ben Mansford (chief executive), Tommy Wright (assistant head coach) and the gaffer. "Football is crazy and our season could turn with a run of wins."