Former Barnsley full-back Darren Barnard believes the Reds need just a little moment of luck that could be the catalyst to redefine their campaign.
José Morais’ side have found themselves dominating possession in recent weeks, but have been unable to take the game by the scruff of the neck with the season rapidly drawing to a close.
"I remember when we got to the play-offs in 2000; we had a period after January where we turned games that we were losing into draws and games that we were drawing into wins, and that just makes such a difference,” said Barnard.
"People say you make your own luck in football, but the boys have got to work their socks off. If the Barnsley boys can all put a shift in, get that bit of luck - a deflection off someone’s bum or something like that and the ball goes in the goal, it can make a difference.
"That can give them that bit of confidence to give them that few wins they need to keep them in the league this season.”
The 46-year-old spent two seasons at Bristol City before arriving at Oakwell in August 1997, where his knack of scoring sensational goals quickly earned him a cult hero status.
But, despite his Robins’ ties, Barnard is hoping that Barnsley pick up all three points when the two sides meet in South Yorkshire on Good Friday.
“It’s a tough one because obviously both teams need the points,” continued the former Wales international. "Barnsley are looking to climb away from the bottom three, but there are some big teams below them and they need the three points because those below them will be looking to kick on for the last seven or eight games of the season; everyone is fighting and scrambling for points.
"Bristol City looked like they could be getting an automatic promotion spot up to about six weeks ago, and they’ve just faltered a bit recently. They’re there or thereabouts near the play-offs, it’s going to be a tough game and there’s a couple of players at Bristol City who used to play for Barnsley.
"It’ll be a tense game; I’d like to see Barnsley nick the points for the simple reason that I don’t want them to get relegated.”
You can read our full interview with Darren in the official BE RED matchday programme for our clash with Bristol City.
