Reds Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom gave his reaction after the Reds claimed a well earned 2-1 victory over Norwich City here at Oakwell.
An ecstatic Paul Heckingbottom spoke to the press post match, following a well deserved 2-1 home win against Norwich City which moved the Reds just three points from the Play-Offs.Having seen his side put in a great performance last week at Birmingham, Hecky was delighted to see his side pick up were they left off.
"We showed lots of spirit throughout the game. In the first half, we were good value for our lead, as we really imposed ourselves on a strong Norwich outfit. It was definitely a case of the two sides playing two different systems and we got the better of it."
However, going in to the break 2-0 up, the Reds Head Coach knew that the result was anything but a formality and was pleased with the character his team showed.
“We knew they’d make changes and Norwich showed the class they have in the squad to cause us problems. But we reacted, making changes to repel them and dug in deep”.
“We’ve not won a game yet where we’ve been tested defensively. We’ve defended well this season, but today we had the lead, held on and got stronger has the second half went on. You’ve got to win games in a number of ways in this league, and the boys can take a lot of confidence from todays result”.
Despite both goals being something to behold, Hecky was particularly pleased with the timing of the strikes, and praised his captain who was playing in-front of Republic of Ireland Assistant Manager, Roy Keane.
“It was a beauty of a strike and if Roy was here, then good for Conor. The goals came at a good time, as we needed to be ruthless at both ends of the pitch today”.
“Both were very good goals and put us in a good position. We were more productive with our possession, compared to Norwich. Yet, as predicted, Norwich came out and really tested us in the first 15 minutes of the second half, however, we rode the storm and saw it out”.
With Norwich pushing for the equaliser in the second half, the effort and energy that the Reds put into the game was noticeable and something that the Head Coach can take from the game moving forward into the festive period.
“It’s been a big part of our game, certainly since I’ve arrived, and if you’ve got that commitment, you’ve always got a chance of winning. We work hard on getting the players in the right positions, but the boys did really well to put in the blocks, especially when they got in and around our box”.
Today's victory was a significant one for all connected with the club, being the first home win since August and Hecky was pleased to finally send the fans home happy.
“It’s three points, you don’t get anything extra for winning at home. It’s nothing we’re concerned about and I’m not bothered where or when they (wins) come. Of course, it’s great to send the fans home happy, but I’m sure they’ll be the same as me, and just be happy for the points as and when they come."
Whilst today’s three points take Barnsley up to 11th in the table, Hecky was quick to dismiss whether or not ‘other clubs within the division will now take his team seriously’.
“Honestly, I’m not bothered. Our league position is great and we just want keep getting those points on the board. Come the end of the season, we’ll see where we are”.
Watch Paul Heckingbottom’s press conference in full on Barnsley Player HD!
Tickets are available for the Reds next home match on Boxing Day, against Blackburn Rovers. CLICK HERE to buy yours now!