Barnsley still in ‘strong position’ despite Coventry loss, says Valerian Ismael

The Tykes had won six on the spin on their travels before the 2-0 loss at St Andrews on Sunday thanks to goals either side of half time from Dominic Hyam and Matt Godden.

“It was not enough today,” Reds manager Valerian Ismael said. “The first half, we didn’t shoot on target.

“The second half was better but over the 90 minutes, Coventry deserved to win. They were well organised and we were not good enough.

“But it’s not time to complain. We just have to focus on the next game.”

The play-off chasing Tykes remain in sixth position despite the result, four points clear of seventh-placed Reading.

Ismael added: “We have put in a big effort so far and we move quickly on to the next game now. We need to bounce back.”

“We are still in a strong position. We have had 42 games so far and we have performed incredibly.

“We are proud of the guys so we have just told them, ‘forget that game now, move on in your head’. We have four games left and we have to be ready.”

Barnsley will travel to West Yorkshire to take on Huddersfield Town on Wednesday as they bid to get their unlikely play-off charge back on track.

They meet South Yorkshire rivals Rotherham United next weekend in a local derby which could have significant consequences for Rotherham’s Championship status.

The Millers are four points from safety with six left to play and lost 1-0 to Birmingham on Sunday.