Daniel Stendel admitted his Barnsley team were still far from their best but believes they deserved their 1-0 win over Southend United on Saturday.

The Reds, who scored through Kieffer Moore late on, have now won 1-0 against both the Shrimpers and Bristol Rovers in their last two games following losses at Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town.

The head coach said: “In the second half we were the only team who played to win this game. The first half was a little bit different because Southend played very well. In the end, it was deserved to win. 

“I said to the players after the game that we weren’t 100 per cent. We can show more. In the season it is important that you take points whenever you can. Sometimes we have played very well and got big wins but sometimes you have to win ugly. 

“After the two games that we lost, it was very difficult for our squad. But we have changed the situation and with the two wins we have more self-confidence. 

“A goal in the last minute makes us and the fans happier than a goal at the start like in our last match.  It is a nice moment. 

“We need patience to win those kind of games. All teams have a lot of respect for us when they come to Oakwell. It is important that we believe we can win the game, even in the last minutes like today so it is a good development for us.”  

Moore headed in Alex Mowatt’s corner in the 88th minute. He said: “It was really good. The main thing was the three points It felt like a long old game but we all grafted very hard and thankfully we won. It was nice to score the winner late on.

“As soon as we had a corner something came over me and I thought ‘I’m going to do everything I can to get on the end of this.’ Thankfully it was in the right position where I ran and I put it away so happy days.”

Barnsley have not lost at home since March, including eight games this season. Moore said: "One of the gaffer’s main things is to make our home stadium a fortress. Teams don’t like coming here because of the way we play we just need to keep up that persona of ‘this is our house and you won’t come to our house and beat us.’”

Moore’s goal ended a run of five games without a goal and move on to eight for the season. Cauley Woodrow came off the bench to make his debut for the club after an injury-plagued season while Victor Adeboyejo was also back from injury. 

Stendel said: “I am happy that Kieffer Moore scored. In the last weeks he was a bit unlucky so it is good that he scored. We need his goals also in the next games and I hope he takes more self-confidence from that. He has been injured and it was not too easy for him to come back with the same performances as before. 

“Cauley played the first time for us and Victor Adeboyejo is back as well so we have a lot of good options. We have the option to play two up front and play with wingers and get crosses in for the strikers. I think it’s a good option for us and difficult for opposition teams to know what we will do.”

Adam Jackson missed the match through injury but Stendel said he would be back for Tuesday’s game in the Checkatrade Trophy against Everton under 21s. Back-up goalkeeper Jack Walton is also out injured.