Neill Collins and two-goal hero Adam Phillips were thrilled with Barnsley’s remarkable late win over Leyton Orient – and praised the fans for their support.
The visitors took an early lead but Phillips netted in the 88th minute and – after Luca Connell was sent off – the 95th to secure a 2-1 victory.
The result took Barnsley up a place to fourth in League One, four points off second.
Head coach Collins told the Chronicle: “It was a great moment, and a big three points. I thought it was really well-deserved.
“If you are going to be successful, you have to have moments like that.
“To push the tempo with ten men with the fans behind us was great.
“I felt we would the victims of another deserving performance without the points.
“But the players kept going right to the final whistle as they have done pretty much all season apart from Derby away.
“They took their opportunities today although right at the death.
“We’re really proud of them.
“All teams lose early goals sometimes and Orient are exceptionally good once ahead and, on the run they are on, you fear the worst.”
Phillips netted his third and fourth goals of the season. Collins said: “We lacked bit of quality at times but one thing Adam Phillips doesn’t lack is quality.
“He’s been outstanding, getting better and better. He was fantastic in training this week and, if I had to pick someone who would score, he would be high up the list. He was really brave for his first goal, when he could get smashed, then the second goal was a great ball and great finish.”
Phillips added: “I am delighted. I don’t normally score two so that’s a relief. I am happy to get three points after a tough game against a good team.
“We kept going right until the end and the crowd was a massive help.”
Phillips headed in the leveller from a fine ball by Mael de Gevigney. He said: “I didn’t look at the ‘keeper because I thought I might get a fist in my face. I make that run quite a lot and try to speak to Mael to play that pass. It was a great one and I was delighted to see it go in and get us back in the game.”
Connell was shown a second yellow card for dissent but Phillips turned in Corey O’Keeffe’s free-kick to win it.
Phillips said: “When you go down to ten men it’s tough but the crowd helped us.
“It was a good to get a wide free-kick. I wasn’t supposed to be on the box, I was supposed to bet on the edge but I thought I would gamble and it paid off. Happy days. It was a great ball by Corey as well.”
On the red card, Collins said: “The referee felt there was some level of dissent. I felt it could have been handled better. I won’t let it take away from the fantastic response the players showed.”
The home fans were loud for much of the match and celebrated wildly at the end.
Collins said: “The players gave them a lot to be up for but they spurred the players on to the end. That’s what happens when we’re on good form and play like we did at Bolton. It’s the right time of year, we can all smell what’s coming.
The scenes right at the end is what Oakwell is all about. When the chips are down everyone stands up to be counted.”
Orient’s goal continued a pattern of Barnsley conceding early at home. Collins said: “We have been guilty of giving up chances early. I don’t think there is any distinct reason.
“It was a couple of small mistakes, credit to Leyton Orient, they took advantage. We should have got back in the game earlier than we did. The players should be really pleased with the togetherness we showed.”
