Speaking after the Reds’ superb 3-2 triumph against Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon, Mads Andersen believes it is another timely morale booster as we enter the final third of the campaign.
Barnsley built on the midweek victory at Hull City by blowing play-off chasing Boro away in the first half and, despite a nervy ending, clung on to claim three vital points.
“I am very happy,” declared Andersen. “It’s exactly what we need and what we are fighting for, so I’m confident in the next games coming up.
“It will give us big confidence, especially in scoring goals, which is important to win football games. I’m a little unhappy with conceding two goals, but we’ll take the win.”
It was our stand-in skipper who opened the scoring with just seven minutes on the clock at Oakwell as he rose highest to plant Amine Bassi’s pinpoint cross beyond Joe Lumley, before the mercurial Moroccan added two himself to cap off a stupendous display.
The early goal was a signal of our intent, and Andersen was delighted to be able to make his mark while the Reds were in the ascendancy.
“It was very important, especially because I think we had the momentum,” discussed the Great Dane. “We had a great start and great first half, so getting those goals is important. So, I’m very happy to contribute to the goals.”
We face Derby County next Saturday in what is already looking like a crucial encounter at the foot of the Sky Bet Championship.
Another victory would be just the tonic for Barnsley, who head into the clash above the Rams after results went our way this weekend, although Andersen insists he isn’t concentrating on the table.
“We’re focusing on ourselves and our games – we cannot affect the other teams, who they’re playing against and if they’re winning or not,” asserted the 24-year-old. “We focus on ourselves.”
You can watch Mads’ post-match interview on iFollow Barnsley.
