Neill Collins said Barnsley’s performance in their 2-2 draw at Peterborough on Friday was as good as they have been all season.
The Reds went 2-0 up through Herbie Kane and Devante Cole but Jonson Clarke-Harris levelled with goals either side of half-time for Posh who began the game in second.
Collins told the Chronicle: “That was as good a performance as we have had this season.
“We have won games and not played anything like as well as that.
“We just need to cut out mistakes and turn games like that into wins
“If we play like that nine times out of ten we win in this division.
“We are going in the right direction
“We will have days when we have lessons to learn but we have progressed well.”
He added: “When you’re 2-0 up you are always disappointed not to win but the way we played was fantastic. We didn’t deserve to lose a goal in the first half then we lost such a poor goal early in the second half. Once it went 2-0 you are concerned because it can deflate you. But not tonight. We had opportunities to win against a top team. A point here is good but I thought we deserved all three.
“The fans were phenomenal and they will see we have a team who is improving.”
Barnsley have 42 points from the first half of the season. Collins said: “You always want more. We have left a couple of points here and there. But it’s a good total and if we double it we will be in the play-offs. We have shown signs we can more than double it. The players feel that.”
Kane continued a run of goals and assists with the opener. Collins said: “When you score goals and get assist you get more recognition. But he’s been one of the most reliable performers since I have been here. I am delighted for him. He was superb.”
Clarke-Harris got both home goals after not starting in the league for two months.
Collins said: "I was very surprised he started. But he’s top at this level. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised he played against us.”
Both home goals came from crosses into the box. Collins said: “I don’t to be too critical. We got punished quite heavily. There are always areas we can improve. We have given up weak goals in the last two games.”
Owen Dodgson, usually a left-back, played on the left of a back three. Was Collins tempted to play Kacper Lopata there?
“Not really. We needed as left-sided player. If you play a back three the left sided player has to be left footed.
“Owen Dodgson was tremendous.”
Dodgson added: “We were very happy to go 2-0 up. We’re a bit disappointed not to bring back a win but we’re young lads who are learning. Overall we are happy against a tough opposition.”
