Neill Collins says Barnsley ‘probably edged’ the 1-1 home draw with Charlton Athletic and was delighted to see Adam Phillips back on the scoresheet.
The Reds took the lead through Phillips but conceded midway through the second half.
Head coach Collins told the Chronicle: “When you take the whole 90 minutes, we probably edged it with the second half performance and the opportunities we created. We were ahead and the team most likely to score at 1-0.
“We had the John McAtee chance (denied one-on-one by the goalkeeper) and we were in great positions but couldn’t capitalise.
“With the players Charlton have got, they are a constant threat.
“The team defended exceptionally but a couple of small mistakes led to their goal. We could have been hanging on after that but it was pleasing we took momentum straight back and made changes to try to win it. We had three strikers on but couldn’t quite put the ball in the back of the net.”
The Reds remain seventh, two points outside the top six. Collins said: “I would love to have three points but the pleasing thing was the performance overall was good. The team is improving. You can see that. We’re six points off second place with a game in hand. We will face more good sides which will be a challenge.”
Phillips netted his first goal of the season. Collins said: “It was a great finish. It was a matter of time for Adam and hopefully we see more of those goals. I think we will. I am pleased to see him back closer to himself and playing well.”
The goal came from an assist by Herbie Kane after Charlton thought the ball had gone out.
Collins said: “Whether it was in or out, I haven’t see it back. But Herbie kept going to the whistle and brought a lost cause alive. That’s the type of team we want to be.”
Collins said Nicky Cadden and Callum Styles were out with ‘very small injuries’ but should be back for next week against Stevenage.
Goal-scorer Phillips added: “It was two good teams going at each other. Obviously we took the lead and we want. To win our home games. They are a good team so we will take a point and move on.
“The second half last week (at Reading) was good then we put in a pretty decent performance today. We had lots of chances. Charlton had chances but they have good players.”
