Poya Asbaghi was delighted that the extra work on set pieces on the training ground paid off with two goals from corners in Barnsley's 2-0 win against Bristol City on Tuesday.
Carlton Morris and Michal Helik netted in the first 22 minutes from left-wing corners by Amine Bassi, as the Reds scored from set pieces for the first time this Championship season.
Asbaghi said: “We scored from two corners which were finally the decisive part of the game for us. It is important for us if we are going to stay up that we are not only scoring from counter-attacks or open play.
“Before this game our main focus was the set pieces because we knew that Bristol City is a team we could use spaces in a good way against. I am happy that focus paid off. We have to keep using it.”
Asbaghi was delighted Barnsley saw the win out after conceding late equalisers in the previous two home games against Stoke and Fulham.
“I am happy that we had a 2-0 lead and we kept a clean sheet. We looked a little bit tired in the second half and I thought we might be because we played the toughest opponent possible three days earlier (Fulham). When you are tired you will be aware of the history of the last week, so I am really happy we could see the game out and keep a clean sheet.”
The win cut the gap to safety to two points with nine games left. Asbaghi said: “What happens in the table does not give us confidence. We get that from playing well and winning. I don’t even know what happened in the other games, I just knew whatever happened we would still be in the relegation zone.
“It’s three points. We know we have had good performances recently and we feel confident that we are getting better. We have nothing to celebrate except three points. Tomorrow we wake up and know we have one more game before the international break and it’s a really tough one (at Sheffield United on Saturday).”
Goalkeeper Brad Collins added: “We scored two great goals from set pieces which we haven’t done a lot this year so we’re thrilled with that and the way we defended as a team was very resolute. We’re very happy to get the clean sheet.
“The boys defended terrific, the amount of blocks, headers, last-ditch defending. When you’re in the relegation zone you need fighters and we have that in abundance.”
Morris came off late on with a tight calf. Asbaghi said: “It was a little bit precautious. I hope it’s not too serious but it’s too early to say.”
