Neill Collins hails Barnsley’s attitude in comeback victory against Stevenage

Posted Sunday, December 24, 2023 by PA

Barnsley head coach Neill Collins praised his side’s attitude as they came from behind to defeat Stevenage 2-1 at Oakwell.

Luther James-Wildin gave Stevenage an early lead before goals from John McAtee and Herbie Kane completed Barnsley’s comeback.

Collins said: “Overall, really pleased with the players in terms of their never-say-die attitude, defending the box and putting their bodies in front of everything.

“Overall, in the first half, I thought we were very good despite going behind again to an early goal which was really frustrating.

“The players responded really well and the only thing that was letting us down was some of the quality.”

On McAtee’s goal, Collins said: “It was an important time. The players, despite actually being in control, were getting a little bit nervous just because some of the passes weren’t coming off.

“We came from behind, something that I think is a great trait to have, I’d like to stop us going behind but we came from behind and overall, a big three points against a really difficult team.

“I think he’s been excellent and our strength and depth showed as well with the changes we were able to make”

On Kane marking his 100th appearance for the club with a goal, Collins said: “First of all, 100 appearances is excellent. It says a lot about Herbie, he’s always fit to train, always available when the chips are down.

“It’s a great bit of play because he’s seen the space and he’s took it and he kept driving. If you hit shots on target, things like that happen.”

Stevenage manager Steve Evans felt the result was harsh on his side.

He said: “It’s very hard to take isn’t it. We score a good goal; we were by far the better side.

“We miss a good chance, a one-on-one to make it 2-0, but we don’t hit the target and then we lose our concentration at the back, one ball does us.

“You’ve got to be fair to them, it’s a class finish.”

On his side’s start to the game, Evans said: “I thought we were terrific anyway, we dominated and got the goal.

“There’s a couple of pivotal moments isn’t there. Jordan Roberts should score; we did great to press and go through. At least hit the target, we didn’t do it.

“We’ve played really well today so I can’t come out here and criticise players.”

On the end of his side’s 13 game unbeaten run, Evans said: “We said ourselves that a win today would’ve brought back points that were left behind last week.

“I’ve always judged it on performance and we did enough to win last week.

“We’ve done enough today; we were outstanding for long spells.”