Barnsley FC thriving as players begin to 'trust' in Gerhard Struber's philosophy

Bottom of the Championship at the start of play, the Reds’ 1-0 triumph in East Yorkshire saw them climb back off the foot of the table and move to within four points of safety.

Whisper it, but the great escape might just be back on.

Seemingly rejuvenated by the appointment of manager Gerhard Struber, a run of just one defeat in seven games during December had previously breathed new life into the Oakwell club’s survival bid.

Their form then flatlined in the New Year and relegation appeared an inevitability once more, but, against the odds, the Austrian has Tykes fans believing once again.

Perhaps more importantly, Struber’s players believe, too, having bought into what their manager is trying to achieve.

"The last performances give every single player a good feeling, a good trust also in my style, in how we will play on the ball and off the ball" the Barnsley chief said.

"This is a big challenge for my team, for me, for my whole staff, to believe in our big goal to stay in the league, but I trust my boys.

"We can stay in the league with our quality, with our aggression.

"It is a good moment for us right now, but we have to work in the next few weeks in the same style, with the same conviction.

"If we can reproduce this energy, this style in the next games, it will be interesting."

Barnsley's success at Hull on Wednesday evening owed much to an excellent footballing performance during the first half.

After the break, they saw less of the ball, but remained resolute and did a good job of protecting a lead handed to them by Cauley Woodrow, whose 42nd-minute strike arrived at a good time, according to Struber.

"The last few games I think we create a very good performance, especially today, in the first half. On the ball we had a good control," the Austrian added.

"I think the first half went very well, especially the goal, it was good for our feeling.

"It was also a hit in the face for the opponent, just before half-time.

"This is a very difficult situtation for Hull right now and this hit in the face was not so easy, and for us, it was the right signal.

"The challenge today, especially in the second half, was the long balls from the opponent. The feeling was that every second come long balls and it's not so easy to defend.

"But, in the end, I think it's a big victory for us, a very important victory."