Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola celebrates stunning draw with Barnsley
Posted Saturday, November 04, 2023 by PA
Horsham manager Dominic Di Paola heaped praise on his team after they twice came from behind to draw 3-3 at Barnsley and force a replay in the Emirates FA Cup first round.
Tom Richards scored the second equaliser to take the tie back to Woodside Road and Di Paola hailed a monumental effort.
“I thought the boys were absolutely phenomenal,” he said. It was just an incredible performance.
“You could see at the end, I don’t think there was anyone without cramp. For us to put in that performance, away from home against a side as good as them, is just incredible.
“There’s been a bit of controversy around the FA stuff and there’s been some issues here. I noticed there wasn’t any police, which is quite ironic considering that was the reason the game was supposedly moved (from Saturday to Friday night).
“I do feel that justice has been done. I never understood the decision in the first place.
“It’s just so pleasing that we can bring them back to our place. We can bring the town out and be allowed to let our supporters actually watch us in such a high-profile game.”
Richards converted after the ball was squared to him by fellow substitute Lucas Rodrigues and Di Paola said: “It’s a massive credit to all of our players. The subs who came on changed the game.
“We’ve worked so hard this week, mainly on the tactics board. I didn’t feel like we parked the bus. I felt that we had an attacking threat.
“It’s just so pleasing that we did that. I’m really pleased.”
After falling behind to a Max Watters goal, the visitors took a 2-1 lead through Shamir Fenelon and a James Hammond penalty.
Goals from Fabio Jalo and Mael de Gevigney put Barnsley back in front but Lewis Carey’s triple save prevented John McAtee, Callum Styles or Luca Connell from putting the game to bed before Richards levelled in the closing stages.
Barnsley boss Neill Collins praised Horsham, saying: “I think, first of all, credit to Horsham.
“They came super organised, didn’t just sit back, had a good game plan so credit to them. Their fans should be proud of them, which I’m sure they are.
“I think we put in all the ingredients of a performance that gives the result that we got – sloppy mistakes, not doing the basics well, didn’t take chances and gave up.
“We earned the replay that we didn’t obviously want with the performance that we gave.
“I didn’t see it coming. The players’ attitude has been good and we’ve been in good form.
“That’s what this competition can do to you. If you don’t start well, it can quickly descend into what it did.
“I thought we’d get out at 3-2 – we should have made it 4-2 – and then without being over-happy, we’d have taken the win and moved on.
“A couple of mistakes and Horsham deserved the replay. There’s a chance for us to go and put it right.”
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