BARNSLEY’S break from competitive action has done them a ‘world of good’ and they are ready to ‘attack’ a run of five games in a fortnight says Neill Collins.
The Reds have had 12 days without a game since their 1-1 draw at home to Wigan Athletic on Monday of last week.
They are currently sixth in League One, in the play-off places on goal difference, and unbeaten in their last eight league matches with four draws and four wins while they have lost just one of the last 14 since September.
Head coach Collins told the Chronicle: “We ran out of steam against Wigan but the rest seems to have done the players the world of good. Hopefully they show that to the fans on Saturday because training has been excellent.
“We have been working as units, individuals and a group on lots of different aspects which will help us all season.
“Once we get into this weekend, we have a lot of games and less time on the training pitch.
“We need the whole group on the same page as we go into a busy period.”
Barnsley are unbeaten in their last seven home games, drawing four, having lost to a series of promotion contenders at Oakwell in the early months of the season. They now have two successive home matches this week as they welcome mid-table Bristol Rovers on Saturday and relegation-battling Carlisle United on Tuesday.
“We would like to turn some of those draws into wins. We know how we do that and different ways to hurt teams.
“It’s nice to be unbeaten but we want as many wins as possible and we’ll always go for the win.
“The way the opposition sometimes play, it might look like we’re settling for a point which is certainly not the case.
“If we can build on that form at home in the second half of the season, coupled with our away form, that will be great.”
He added: “The fans are no different to myself and get frustrated at times and rightly show that. It is up to us to get performances right and make this place a fortress.
“We have two home games this week and 11 this season.
“We all need each other.
“There is so much to be excited about in the second half of the season.”
After the two home games, the Reds visit Stevenage and Oxford United – both also in the top seven – the following week before rounding off the month at home to lowly Exeter City on the 27th.
They play five games in 14 days.
“I really think we’re ready for it.
“We needed that break physically and mentally at the halfway point.
“Everyone should be motivated and excited to attack the second half of the season. With five games in 14 days, we should be looking to go out and be brave then see where it takes us.”
