Barnsley backline gets glowing praise from Heckingbottom after draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers

Paul Heckingbottom was satisfied by Barnsley's defensive resolve after they held Sky Bet Championship table-toppers Wolves to a goalless draw at Oakwell.
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom on the touchline during his side's 0-0 draw with WolvesBarnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom on the touchline during his side's 0-0 draw with Wolves
Barnsley manager Paul Heckingbottom on the touchline during his side's 0-0 draw with Wolves

The visitors saw goals from Helder Costa and Diogo Jota chalked off for offside, while the latter was guilty of spurning a golden opportunity when he skied over from only a few yards out.

For the most part, both teams were restricted to attempts from outside the box but Jota also rattled the bar in the second half for Wolves, while George Moncur fired a great chance wide for Barnsley in the final 10 minutes.

Nuno Espirito Santo wrapped up warm for the South Yorkshire weather at OakwellNuno Espirito Santo wrapped up warm for the South Yorkshire weather at Oakwell
Nuno Espirito Santo wrapped up warm for the South Yorkshire weather at Oakwell
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However, Barnsley head coach Heckingbottom felt a share of the spoils was a fair result.

He said: "It's a good point. For a 0-0 we saw limited goalmouth action - I enjoyed it. It was high-intensity, competitive and good football.

"Both teams were good at defending, organisation and discipline.

"It's difficult. We saw when we played Wolves away how good they are defensively.

Nuno Espirito Santo wrapped up warm for the South Yorkshire weather at OakwellNuno Espirito Santo wrapped up warm for the South Yorkshire weather at Oakwell
Nuno Espirito Santo wrapped up warm for the South Yorkshire weather at Oakwell
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"They are the best team defensively in the league and from set plays. We still struggle to create chances against them because they are a good side.

"If they get in front they're a different team. Neither team did enough to win it.

"All the players have had a chance and it's up to them to stay in the team. Whoever performs well enough deserves to be in the team.

"That's the fourth clean sheet in six or seven and we've been really competitive. That's the type of performance we expect to deliver.

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"We've got a young side - we've got a side jumping up a lot of levels."

Wolves' lead at the top of the second tier standings was cut to 10 points but boss Nuno Espirito Santo was content to come away from Yorkshire with a draw.

He said: "This is football, it's a tough game. Barnsley fight, they are well organised, they have a game which is difficult to break.

"If there was going to be a winner it would be Wolves. We didn't concede anything to Barnsley.

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"Teams are trying to adapt their shape to our idea. That was not the case of Barnsley. Paul knows what he's doing. There are a lot of teams adapting but that makes you grow.

"It's a challenge knowing that you have to find solutions - grow and play better.

"We are fighting from day one for every single point. There is not one day where we don't work hard.

"The work of Leo (Bonatini) was fantastic. He drops and plays, he supports. The goal will come for Leo, it will come naturally."