Barnsley staying grounded despite closing in on Play-Offs place

Barnsley manager Valerien Ismael is refusing to get carried away despite his side being on the verge of sealing a Championship play-off spot.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Apr 2021, 17:37 BST
Daryl Dike with Michal Helik after scoring for Barnsley against HuddersfieldDaryl Dike with Michal Helik after scoring for Barnsley against Huddersfield
Daryl Dike with Michal Helik after scoring for Barnsley against Huddersfield

A slim but thoroughly deserved 1-0 win at Huddersfield saw Ismael’s side take advantage of Reading’s draw with Luton.

The Reds are now six clear of the Royals with just three games to play. Despite them looking firm favourites to enter the end-of-season lottery, Ismael is refusing to take anything for granted.

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“It’s a great feeling to have two more points. But now we have to focus on another tough game,” declared the Frenchman after watching Daryl Dike’s speculative bicycle kick decide a contest that Barnsley bossed from start to finish.

“We’ve got three games left now. It’s a great challenge to finish the job now.

“It’s a great feeling for us to win here. I was especially pleased with the performance from the guys.

“It was exactly what we wanted after the Coventry game. We saw a great performance tonight. We should have scored more than just one though.”

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Barnsley look set to be without striker Dominik Frieser for the visit of Rotherham.

Frieser suffered a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield which strengthened the Reds’ play-off ambitions.

Daryl Dike replaced him in West Yorkshire and will likely start against the Millers with Barnsley waiting on the result of a scan.

Midfielder Herbie Kane and defenders Liam Kitching (groin) and Ben Williams (knee) continue to work their way back towards fitness.

Related topics:Valerien IsmaelBarnsleyDominik FrieserHuddersfield