Some Barnsley FC-related stories following another busy weekend.
'LOADS TO BE POSITIVE ABOUT' SAYS BOSS
Neill Collins says there is ‘loads to be positive about’ and Barnsley are in a ‘great position’ going into the last three games of the League One season.
The Reds are fifth, five points clear in the top six and need three more points to reach the play-offs. They have collected nine from their last nine games. They visit leaders Portsmouth tomorrow then seventh-placed Blackpool on Saturday.
Collins told the Chronicle: “There’s loads to be positive about. We’re a win away from securing play-offs, we have still got opportunities to finish much higher. There are two tough games coming up but the team has generally shown they rise to occasions.”
He added: “We will not get too high or low. We recognise things need to improve. The players’ focus is very very good. If anything, mistakes come from wanting it so badly. We go right to final whistle in every game. I feel it’s just been a matter of time.
“Everything is heightened at the moment across the board from Premier League to League Two. We are in a great position. The players want it badly but at times you’ve got to manage that and play your game, maybe a couple of times we’ve struggled with that.”
BENSON'S 'TOUGH TIME' CONTINUES WITH ANOTHER INJURY
Josh Benson has suffered another setback in his injury-plagued Barnsley career.
The midfielder has not made a first team appearance since November and started just three league games since September 2022. He returned to fitness in February and was on the bench but now has suffered another injury.
Head coach Neill Collins said: “He’s had a really tough time. He’s out with what we think is a small injury. It's a slightly different injury. If you look at the history, it's hard to say he could make an impact this season. It’s still possible. But it’s not ideal for Josh that he’s missed so much time.”
The Reds are also assessing injuries to midfielders Jon Russell, who limped off on Saturday, and Luca Connell who picked up a problem the previous day. Collins said they would make ‘late decisions’ on both players ahead of the trip to Portsmouth but hoped they would both play a part in the remainder of the season.
If they are both out, Barnsley will be low on options in midfield with potentially a forward such as Fabio Jalo – who scored his first league goal on Saturday – or John McAtee starting in front of Herbie Kane and Adam Phillips. Youngster Vimal Yoganathan has been in the first team squad previously but yet to make a league debut while wing-back Corey O'Keeffe has played in midfield in emergencies.
WOMEN INTO CUP SEMI-FINAL
Barnsley FC women won 1-0 at home to Bradford City in their League Cup quarter-final.
Kirstie Nicholls got the winner with ten minutes left to put the Reds in the last four.
Other results in the North East Premier meant the Reds remained second, three points off top.
They now visit sixth-placed Sunderland West End on Sunday in the first of five remaining games.
BLAND WINNER AS UNDER 18S COME FROM 2-0 DOWN TO WIN
Barnsley under 18s won 3-2 at home to Millwall on Saturday, having been 2-0 down.
Emaissa Nzondo pulled one back, an own goal brought the scores level then Jonathan Bland won it.
They are two points off the top two and a play-off place, with three games in hand on second-placed Sheffield Wednesday.
They now play at Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday.
Barnsley under 21s are due to play on the first team pitch at home to Bristol City on Tuesday from 1pm.
LOANEE STYLES SETS UP WINNER
Barnsley loanee Callum Styles recorded his first assist for Sunderland in their 1-0 win at West Brom in the Championship. His corner was fired in by Pierre Ekwah.
There were starts for loanees Jack Shepherd in Cheltenham’s defeat to Bristol Rovers, Conor McCarthy for Swindon and Kyran Lofthouse for MK Dons in League Two, and Andy Dallas for Oldham Athletic in the National League. Oli Shaw came off the bench for Motherwell.
