Barnsley Head Coach José Morais is looking to build on the win over Sheffield United at the weekend when his side travel to Ipswich Town on Tuesday.
The Reds moved to within two points of safety as Tom Bradshaw’s late winner at Oakwell claimed all three points in the South Yorkshire derby.
Gary Gardner put Barnsley ahead with his first goal for the club before the Blades hit back through John Fleck and Leon Clarke. But Oli McBurnie equalised 16 minutes from time to set up a grandstand finale as Morais secured his first home win.
“We are overcoming a moment of inconsistency and hopefully we are past this now, and hopefully this is a moment where people feel they can give something to the team and they can have a massive contribution with their quality,” said Morais.
“This is what we are trying to build - what we are building since we came here - and I can feel the spirit is growing in the squad, and this makes things happen even if we didn’t see this in results before.
“We are getting stronger, more consistent and we believe more in the capacity that the team has. This is making the difference in the feelings that we have about our possibilities.”
Bradshaw’s goal was his first for the Reds since late December, but his timely header could prove to be the catalyst as Barnsley look to climb out of the bottom three.
Morais’ frontmen are finding form at the right time of the season and their goals may yet be decisive at the end of the campaign.
“I think the team needs goals from whoever is on the pitch, and I’m very happy that Tom scored,” continued the Head Coach. “I’m also happy that Gary Gardner and Oli scored too.
“I’m happy that Adam Hammill gave a contribution when he came on and assisted a goal. There are so many reasons that I’m happy.”
Barnsley can climb out of the relegation zone with a win at Portman Road on Tuesday night, depending on results elsewhere in the Championship.
The Reds also have a game in hand on those around them at the foot of the table and a superior goal difference, which could be as good as a point when the season draws to a close.
“I believe that everything is in our hands and it depends on the way we think,” insisted Morais. “I want the players to have this belief because this is the reality. I really believe we can win and that this is a massive opportunity for us to be remarkable.
“Last week we had seven games to play with 21 points to do; now we have six games to play with 18 points to achieve and I really believe we can win 18 points in six games. We will play the next game and the goal is to win.
“I understand that their [Ipswich] goals in the league are probably achieved in terms of staying in the league and they can’t reach the play-offs. Our focus isn’t in what they have to play, but in what we want to play and achieve. What we want is higher than any desire of anyone else.”
You can watch José's full press conference on iFollow.
