Davies earns praise from Stendel after crucial penalty save

Posted Sunday, February 24, 2019 by PA

Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel hailed goalkeeper Adam Davies after his penalty save extended the Tykes’ unbeaten run to 14 matches.

Davies’ dramatic second-half stop from Omar Bogle put another dent in stuttering Portsmouth’s hopes as the battle of the promotion-chasers finished goalless.

Stendel was delighted with Davies’ performance and believes the point maintains Barnsley’s momentum as they chase a return to the Championship.

He said: “I think it was a hard game but both teams wanted to win this game. We should have created more chances, especially in the second half.

“We had a lot of pressure on our goal, it was not too easy. With the penalty we were very happy that our goalkeeper could save us. It was a great performance from Adam Davies today.”

Barnsley remain second, two points ahead of Sunderland and five clear of their fourth-placed opponents.

Stendel said: “I think for both teams one point is OK, even more so for us, we can keep the gap and we’re happy with this point today.

“We’re very satisfied with Adam Davies’ performance today, it’s important that he is there when we need him and this was the case today.

“We have very good players for all positions, as well as our goalkeeper, and today he helped us to stay in the game.”

The game was far from a classic with both teams struggling to carve out many clear-cut chances.

Pompey’s Bryn Morris headed Viv Solomon-Otabor’s whipped cross just wide in the first half, while Cameran McGeehan went close for Barnsley but shot over.

In the 60th minute Solomon-Otabor was fouled in the box after some good footwork dazzled defender Dimitri Cavare. Bogle took the penalty but Davies guessed correctly and saved down to his right.

The Tykes could have snatched victory with eight minutes remaining but Alex Mowatt’s corner was met by Jacob Brown and his header was deflected onto the bar.

Portsmouth have now drawn their last five games as their promotion dreams continue to fade.

Manager Kenny Jackett said he could take positives from the performance but admitted: “That is five draws on the spin now for us – it’s slightly frustrating for us, we wanted to pull Barnsley back.

“It was a good performance, nip and tuck first half, with just a couple of half-chances really.

“Their keeper made an excellent save from the spot but to be fair, they were threatening well in the second half.

“We got on top and couldn’t find either the final ball or the goal or ultimately the right strike. Their captain Davies was excellent in their goal and we have to praise him for that.

“I felt we had the better passing game today, which has been our game this year, so performances are creeping up.

“I do feel they have to continue to do that because with 12 games left with we’re all looking for that spring to finish the season strongly.”