Barnsley wary of taking relegated Colchester lightly

The Reds, who moved up into the final League One play-off position after last weekend’s draw at Sheffield United, could clinch a top-six place if they beat the managerless U’s and other results go their way.

Heckingbottom’s side are overwhelming favourites to beat the visitors, with the Barnsley boss getting the unfortunate impression from many of a Reds persuasion that they believe that victory is a foregone conclusion.

The 38-year-old is extremely wary of that and has preached patience, particularly from expectant supporters, ahead of tomorrow’s game against a U’s side who upset another aspiring Yorkshire side in Bradford City in a shock 2-1 win at Valley Parade on March 1.

Heckingbottom said: “Straight after the Sheffield United game, I was walking about town and all of my friends, family and some people at the club were over the moon with the performance in the game and the result.

“Then, all of a sudden, it shifts to Colchester and it was as if 
we’d won before we played the game.

“Probably the only ones who haven’t spoken like that are the playing and coaching staff. Everyone else has been speaking the other way and it’s dangerous.

“You only have to look at Spurs and West Brom the other night, where West Brom spoiled the party.

“Everyone, not just the players, has to be aware as that anxiety and expectation can transfer itself on the pitch.”

On Colchester, who are unbeaten in their last three away games – winning two – Heckingbottom said: “In every game I have watched, they have caused problems for the opposition.

“They are a threat and they have really good individual players and they are a good attacking force.”

In the Reds’ previous home game with Peterborough, it took a last-gasp winner to break Posh’s resistance and Heckingbottom would take a repeat dose if things pan out that way on Saturday.

Heckingbottom, whose side visit leaders Wigan on the last day, added: “You can’t go gung-ho and expect to win it in the first ten minutes; it might be the last ten minutes.

“A win is a win.”

Aidy White, James Bree, George Smith and Marley Watkins remain sidelined for the Reds.