Neill Collins was delighted with his team’s performance at one of the promotion favourites Bolton Wanderers but disappointed to only draw 1-1.
Devante Cole put the Reds ahead early then they missed big chances before Bolton levelled midway through the second half.
Collins said: “It says a lot about the performance that we are in the dressing room disappointed.
“It’s for the right reasons. In the second half we created a barrel-load of chances against a very good side.
“Had we scored one, we could have gone on and won.
“I am not disappointed with the performance and we respect Bolton put us under pressure at times.
“But when you create those chances you feel like three points would have been fair.
“We felt we needed to get the second goal when on top because they would come back at some point. We were disappointed we lost a goal to their first attack second half.”
Cole’s goal came from a long throw by Barry Cotter and was his 17th of the season after some talk of a January move.
Collins told the Chronicle: “Tom Fawdry (goalkeeper coach) has done a great job on the set pieces. I believe we haven’t got the reward for the opportunities we created. Today we did.
“Barry has an excellent long throw and Devante was in the right place. We need more goals from set pieces. We’re creating the chances, we just need to capitalise. In a game like that it helped us get a foothold.”
He added: “Devante was excellent and caused a whole host of problems. Right at the end he’s heading out set pieces.
“It was a fantastic performance and I am so glad we have still got him.
“We want to help him be top-scorer and more importantly part of a successful team.”
The equaliser saw Cotter lose a header at the back post after goalkeeper Liam Roberts did not come for a cross.
Collins said: “When you lose a goal which isn’t a 30-yard thunderbolt, there are always little things that could be better. We could have definitely prevented it.
“I am not going to pick the bones out of it too much. If we perform like that from now until the end of the season we will put ourselves in a good position.”
Josh Earl made his debut on the left of a back three after signing on deadline day. Collins said: “He was top drawer. He’s had one day of training. We didn’t have any other options.
“He showed he is a very astute signing and one who is going to help us
“He is six foot three, he can head it which is something we have needed, and he can play. He can bring the ball out under pressure. He’s composed. With the midfield and team we have got, that is something we need.”
Earl added: “We can take positives from the point. The lads are a bit gutted we didn’t get all three. But overall it’s a good point against a top team in the division.”
1,500 Barnsley fans travelled to Bolton. Collins said: “The fans have been fantastic. We recognise what they ask for is effort determination and desire. We showed that in abundance. Anyone who has followed us on the road can be really proud of this team. But we need to do more at home for the fans who maybe can’t travel to watch us.”
