GERHARD Struber said the referee was clearly ‘not a big Barnsley fan’ after his side had a late penalty shout turned down in this afternoon’s South Yorkshire derby.
Second half substitute Callum Styles was brought down on the edge of the box late in the game, leading to shouts from team-mates – but referee Tim Robinson waved away their protests.
It was one of the final moments in an entertaining display as Barnsley drew 1-1 with Sheffield Wednesday at Oakwell.
Head coach Gerhard Struber said: “The atmosphere here was amazing, the mood was top and I think the engagement from my team, the energy from my team, was very good.
“We created a high intensity game, especially in the second half. Every single player gave in this game all that he could in the moment.
“This was our aim, that we would show the Barnsley fans a good game, and a good performance.”
Josh Windass netted from close range in the 14th minute for the visitors, before Cauley Woodrow capitalised on a poor clearance from Cameron Dawson in the Wednesday goal to score into an empty net from long range on the 24-minute mark.
Struber said: “I saw the work from Cauley or Alex (Mowatt), they worked so hard in the defence also, on the ball and also off the ball.
“The goal from the opponent was so lucky.
“We never gave up after the goal. This was a good next step for the boys in their mentality.
“Today is one point, but the performance gave me a good feeling for the next games.”
The impressive Styles was an early second half substitute for Luke Thomas, and Struber praised the ‘reliable’ midfielder.
He said: “It is very important that we have a great squad. Callum came in and played very well. He won every duel in the offence, and he worked in the defence as well. This is what I see – a fighter.
“I’m very happy also with Mike (Bahre, another second half substitute who has just returned after being sidelined with an illness).
“He gave the team a good balance, he made the right decisions in offence. He brings a good style.”
