Barnsley FC v Stockport County: Conor Hourihane seeking another memorable high in second Oakwell farewell
IN his golden first spell at Barnsley, Conor Hourihane memorably bowed out on a high with a brilliant free-kick winner in front of Oakwell's Pontefract Road end back in January 2017.
It came in a 3-2 success against Leeds United, with the Reds captain providing the perfect leaving present before departing for Aston Villa.
Hourihane’s farewell game as head coach may lack the cachet of that aforesaid fixture. But for the Irishman, a consummate professional in his time at Oakwell, the outcome certainly does matter.
Opponents Stockport still have work to do to nail down their play-off place - after a surprise midweek reverse to relegated Port Vale - and it adds something to the afternoon, according to Hourihane. The sentiment can wait.
The outgoing Reds chief said: "It definitely adds a bit of extra energy and definitely a bit of extra spice to the game.
"They know, coming into the game that they probably need to get something from it.
"I think they're a really good side, with a manager who's done terrific in his career and one whose longevity at a club has got to be really respected. They're a really good club going in the right direction over the last four or five years.
"But nothing surprises you in football, Port Vale have gone there and done a job in them and now it all of a sudden means that Stockport needs something at the weekend.
"Credit to Port Vale and we've been analysing that game and seeing if we can take anything from it."
Defender Marc Roberts, in his second spell at the club like Hourihane, could also be saying his goodbyes today, with his contract up in June.