Conor Hourihane admits Barnsley's last four performances have not been the best and says they will aim to play better football on Sunday while keeping their winning mentality.

The 25-year-old captain accepts the Reds have not been as good since a 3-1 success at Walsall put them in the top six, which they have since dropped out of despite picking up seven points from four games.

"The last four games haven't been the prettiest to watch but, at the business end of the season, it's all about points," said Hourihane.

"Before that we had played really good stuff in ten or 12 games. The fans have obviously got their eyes on the play-offs so, if we don't play well but still win, they won't be complaining. To nick a 1-0 win like we did at Port Vale on Monday is just as nice as playing fantastically and winning 5-0. It shows that we can grind 1-0s out because people have been questioning that."

Hourihane would like to see an improved display against Oxford in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy but insists the priority is lifting the cup which he says would be a career highlight for him.

"It's a very good pitch there and it should suit us. If we get another scrappy 1-0 then we won't complain but it would be pleasing to play some nice football and really entertain the fans. We're all looking forward to it.

"A lot of the lads haven't played in front of a crowd like that before but we just need to treat it like any other game, enjoy it and come out with a win."

Hourihane says coming through the gruelling Easter weekend with four points was vital. He added: "In the back of everyone's mind they were not wanting to get suspended or injured for Wembley but it's a weight off our shoulders to be fully fit for it.  We will enjoy the occasion at Wembley which will take our mind off the league. Then we go back to hopefully getting in the top six."

Hourihane's winner at Port Vale was his tenth goal of the season while he now has 24 goals in 95 games since signing for the Reds at the start of last season. He admits it worked out well that the referee made him retake the free-kick after he initially tried to pass it to Ivan Toney before the whistle was blown. He said: "Those fine margins are crucial. It was obviously a cross that went in. Hecky (coach Paul Heckingbottom) told us the day before to aim for goal with your crosses so if no one touches it, it goes in. That's what happened. It was nice to see it go in. I am pleased to have ten goals so far."