Daniel Stendel is hoping Barnsley can pick up where they left off against Oxford on Tuesday evening when Scunthorpe United visit Oakwell this weekend.
The Reds fought from 2-0 down to claim a share of the spoils at the Kassam Stadium and move within one point of the automatic promotion places – just six points off the summit with a game in hand on leaders Luton Town.
“The first game against Scunthorpe was very similar to our game at Oxford – after 2-0 we came back, but we lost two points,” said Stendel. “I hope, being at home with our supporters, we can win this game. If we play like we did in the second half against Oxford then we have a very good chance to win.
“Against teams at the bottom of the table, you have to fight from the first moment. We wanted more stability in the centre, but we forgot to play active. The reaction after going 2-0 down was good and this is what we will take into the next game – this mentality.”
Barnsley are unbeaten at home in Sky Bet League One this season with nine wins and five draws, and showed their resolve against Rochdale last time out to come from behind and win all three points.
Stendel is looking to keep this run going when the Iron visit on Saturday and believes the determination of everyone associated with the Club that has made Oakwell virtually impregnable this campaign.
“I’m proud, but I don’t think much about being unbeaten at home,” continued the Reds’ Head Coach. “We play our game and have lots of support to make this a fortress. It’s difficult to play against us at Oakwell, and this is down to the hard work of the players on the pitch and the supporters in the stand.”
One player in particular who has excelled in recent weeks is Jacob Brown, who has started the last four games and scored the opener against Bradford City earlier this month.
The young forward also helped turn Tuesday’s game on its head with two assists and a number of probing runs to take Barnsley’s unbeaten streak to nine games.
“He’s a young player and it’s his first season in the starting eleven,” said Stendel. “I hope he develops more over the next months and become an important part of our squad.
“I’m happy; I think, after he signed a new contract, he has been very good and motivated. He trains like he would play in the games and he has the right attitude; I hope he shows the same performance in the next games.
“The advantage is that he always wants to learn and listens to what we have to say. He’s improved in training and the product is in the game. Jacob has shown was is possible when your attitude is good; he has talent and has shown this with his performances.”
You can watch Daniel's full press conference on iFollow Barnsley.
