Cauley Woodrow insists that the visit of Sunderland on Tuesday night will not be a defining moment for either side in the race for promotion this season.
Barnsley are four points clear of the Black Cats and can inflict a psychological blow on their rivals by maintaining their fine run of form that stretches back to the start of December.
“Obviously, it’s a massive game – second versus third,” said Woodrow. “We got a win at the weekend, which gives us a few more points, so we’ll be looking to do that on Tuesday night and add to the points.
“I don’t think it’s the be all and end all, but of course it’s an important game – they’re going to want to win it. But I don’t think it [promotion] is going to be decided on Tuesday night.”
The Reds can extend their lead over Sunderland to seven points – and potentially add to that tally when they visit Doncaster Rovers on Friday evening.
And Woodrow believes that his side can use the superior points difference to their advantage against Jack Ross’ side at Oakwell.
“We’re obviously in a better and stronger position, and if they do beat us, they’re still not ahead of us,” continued the Reds’ striker. “So we’re in a strong position, but both teams want to win and will do everything to get three points.
“It’s a big night and we want the fans to get behind us because they’re going to be a big factor tomorrow night. It’s a big game and we’re all excited to play in it.”
Like Barnsley, the Black Cats are also on a strong unbeaten run – last losing against Portsmouth back in December. However, in that period, they have shared the spoils on eight occasions.
Anything but defeat would see the Reds go a full calendar year unbeaten at Oakwell and, despite missing a few key personnel, Woodrow feels his side can take another big step towards promotion on Tuesday evening.
“There’s ten games left, we’re in good form and have been unbeaten at home for a while now,” said the 24-year-old. “We just want to continue to do that and I think we’re in a good state to do that – we’ve obviously got a few players missing, but it hasn’t affected us mentally or physically so we’re looking forward to the games ahead.”
You can watch Cauley’s full press conference on iFollow Barnsley.
