Neill Collins says expectations from outside could make Tuesday’s trip to bottom club Carlisle United difficult but his Barnsley players are ‘desperate’ to play again after their heavy weekend loss.
The Reds are fifth in League One, five points off the top two, after a 5-1 defeat at home to Lincoln City on Saturday.
The Cumbrians are 16 points adrift of safety and nine below the second-bottom team, having won five of 36 games.
Carlisle lost eight in a row before winning 1-0 at Burton Albion in late February but they were beaten 3-1 at home to Reading then 3-2 at Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
The Reds can equal a club record of ten games unbeaten away in the same season if they are victorious.
Head coach Collins said: “What makes this game tough is possibly outside expectations because you’re playing a team that is at the foot of the table. “We know it’s a tough game. We have the show the same mentality as we have all season.
“When people talk about complacency, it’s subconscious generally. People don’t set out to be complacent. But subconsciously it can sometimes creep in. After the weekend our players are desperate to play.”
He added: “We are where we because of our resilience and we need to show it again. It’s another chance to get three points.
“Carlisle gave us really tough test at home. Despite their position they are battling in every game. It will be quite similar to all away games. They are professional, they have got a very good manager who has been around a long time.
“Where teams are doesn’t make a big difference in a one-off game.”
Collins said: “Recently they have been more expansive and played some really good stuff. Dylan McGeouch is a really good midfielder who has played at a good level. They have other good ball-players. The also have threat at the top end. They signed players in January who made them stronger.
“They will feel they have plenty to play for. Maybe it (being so far adrift) gives you a freedom. You never know how they will react. It’s about us. If we have the right performance and mentality then we give ourselves great chance of winning.”
Herbie Kane is suspended for two games after collecting a tenth booking of the season on Saturday. Collins said: “Herbie has been a mainstay and vitally important. We’ve missed him when he’s not played. But it’s an opportunity for someone to stake their claim. We will make a decision based on what gives us the best chance to win.”
Conor Grant is likely to replace Kane in the 11 but Josh Benson could be on the bench after returning from injury to play for the under 21s last week.
Collins said: “Josh has got to come into contention but we also have to recognise that he’s had 65 minutes in three or four months. It’s just a sign of where we’re at that he is contention. He needs more football to really impact the team.”
Carlisle lost 2-1 at Oakwell in January, after taking the lead following a Liam Roberts error while Daniel Butterworth missed three huge chances in the first 13 minutes.
But Devante Cole levelled then Herbie Kane netted an 87th-minute penalty after a foul on Adam Phillips by Jordan Gibson.
The clubs have met 29 times, Barnsley winning 12 and losing 11.
The Reds won four of their first five trips to Brunton Park but their last eight visits since the 1950s have brought five losses and three draws.
Their last game there was a 1-1 draw in 1985, with Gordon Owen scoring a penalty.
Their last win there was a 4-2 success in December 1954 before they finished top of the third tier.
On Saturday’s game, Collins said: “I have spent a lot of time thinking about it. I watched it back on Sunday and analysed it. Up to the first half there wasn’t an awful lot wrong. But when you lose the second and third goal, it becomes a bit of a farce. “Losing five goals at home is not what any of of us want expect.
“We’ve lost four in 32 and the players have been very consistent and shown the right mentality.
“We have to take lessons out of it but not go over the top.
“All the coaches have been part of performances like that. It happens. But we need to address some of the issues as a group and individuals.”
