Neill Collins praised his Barnsley team’s second half performance as they came from behind to beat lowly Reading 3-1 on Saturday.
The hosts took the lead after four minutes but Herbie Kane levelled with a penalty before half-time then Devante Cole and Max Watters netted in the last ten minutes.
Collins told the Chronicle: “We actually started well but we were a goal down with their first attack after a set piece.
“I don’t think it knocked us too much. We deservedly got a goal back then had a rough spell before half-time.
“From half-time onwards I thought the players did very very well. They pushed all the way to win the game and did win it. The game was open but we made use of that. We scored two fantastic goals to win it.”
The penalty saw a Reading defender head the ball against Tyler Bindon’s arm. Collins said: “It was a stonewall penalty. It was a great finish from Herbie.”
Cole’s goal was a fine strike from outside the box then Fabio Jalo set up fellow substitute Watters for 3-1.
Collins said: “It (Cole’s) was a fantastic goal for the travelling fans. The ball falls to him, he steadies himself and it was a fantastic finish to give us an opportunity to win. Then it was a bit of quality from Fabio and a good finish by Max.
“Devante maybe wasn’t at his best but you keep him on because you want a chance to fall to him.
“He’s been very important player for us. Every team wants a goal-scorer they can rely on. We’re fortunate have him with 12. But it’s nice to see the goals coming from other players as well.”
Watters limped off with an injury straight after scoring – the same as John McAtee in midweek.
Collins said: “Two goals have cost us with injuries. I think it was a really bad knock for Max. You can see the stud marks. But hopefully it’s something he can come back quickly from.”
Barnsley took Nicky Cadden off after 21 minutes, with Callum Styles coming on.
“He had a tight hamstring. We were able to take him off before it got worse. Fingers crossed it’s not long-term. Styles came on and did really well. I know he has played there before but I haven’t seen him play there.”
On McAtee’s knee problem, Collins said: “It’s quite positive news. We still don’t know exactly how long but hopefully only a couple of weeks.”
