Michael Duff denies that Barnsley have lost momentum going into the play-offs after some disappointing results at the very end of the season.

The Reds finished fourth in League One so will face Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals.

Duff’s side collected a point from their final three games but still picked up the most since late October.

Asked what he would say to those who questioned whether Barnsley’s momentum has ebbed away, Duff told the Chronicle: “They are the same people who said we had no chance this season, that Barnsley are rubbish, there’s no culture and they sell their best players.

“No one gave us a prayer this year. In the last 30 games we would be top of the league. That’s momentum.

“We’ll stick to the process, wire in with concentration and intensity. Hopefully we can deliver two performances against a very good team in Bolton.”

Barnsley lost at home to Ipswich and Peterborough either side of a 4-4 draw at relegated MK Dons, who went 4-1 up. They would be 12th in the form table over the last ten games.

“The performances haven’t been there in the last few games but they have in training. There was scuffle in training last week which I think is positive. Nothing silly, but it shows the demand they put on each other. It’s not like we’ve had our sandals on. The players know if they are not wired in next week we’ll get beat and it’s been a waste of ten months.”

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Barnsley finished on 86 points, their second-highest total since three points for a win was introduced.

“I take the emotion out of it. It’s bigger picture thinking. It’s been a brilliant season. The key is to finish it off.”

Barnsley have played Bolton three times this season – drawing 0-0 there in the league then winning 2-1 in the FA Cup before losing 3-0 at home in the first game of 2023 with Mads Andersen sent off after ten minutes.

“It’s a tough game but who are you going to play who isn’t tough?

“We have had three games against them - a win loss and draw. They will probably say they are better team than in January and we definitely are. They are a big club, another ex Premier League club.

“We are looking forward to it now.”