Speaking after our 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday evening, Conor Chaplin says he is pleased to have opened his account for the new campaign.
The diminutive forward, who netted 13 goals in all competitions for Barnsley last term, fired in low at the near post to double our lead against the R’s and could have added more to his tally but for an inspirational performance from visiting goalkeeper, Seny Dieng, after the interval.
“It’s taken me a bit longer than I’d like but I probably should have had two or three so I’m a bit disappointed with that,” admitted the 23-year-old. “Since the start of the season I haven’t been getting many chances or getting in positions, I know it’s different against 10 men but, to get those chances and in those positions is the main thing.
“Before this game, I can’t really remember too many chances or shots that I had, so that was probably playing on my mind the most.”
Cauley Woodrow was also on target for the Reds, who benefitted from a Joann Barbet own goal midway through the second half.
It was an important win that kickstarted the Valérien Ismaël reign at Oakwell, and Chaplin insists he and the rest of the team are ready to use this result as a platform from which to build on.
“The lads are happy; it’s a really big three points for us, our first of the season, so to get that ticked off and move onto the next one is important,” he continued. “You sort of wish and hope that in the new manager’s first game you get three points, so it’s probably perfect. We should have scored a few more goals but, other than that, it’s a great result.
“I listened to the gaffer’s presser and he said about not winning one, two or three games but to look to build on that and win five or six. It’s a very tough league and unforgiving at times with such good clubs, but he’s right – there’s no point being happy with one victory and getting a draw in the next game and nothing in the next; you’ve got to look to build wins and runs, so that’s something that we’re looking to do.”
You can watch Conor’s post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.
