Barnsley show 'positivity and unity' as Joseph Laumann starts caretaker spell with 2-1 victory over Derby County

That run of 13 matches without a win, the last seven all lost, ultimately cost Markus Schopp his job, and saw 38-year-old Laumann put in charge for Wednesday night's visit of Derby County, and Saturday's game at home to another relegation rival, Hull City.

The Rams took the lead through Sam Baldock but Barnsley refused to lose heart, equalising through Victor Adeboyejo's deflected goal and scoring another via Aaron Leya Iseka after the break.

Derby hit the crossbar through Lee Buchanan in stoppage time, but even their manager Wayne Rooney was not pretending it was not a fair result.

Laumann was delighted with the response he got not only from his players, but the Oakwell crowd.

"We showed great unity in the last few days," said Laumann, put in charge of the team on Monday morning. "Everyone in the club was on it and the fans helped us to go through the game. They were loud. They felt the team needed energy and they gave it throughout the game.

"The last day in training I could feel some energy and some positivity and I think we showed that tonight.

"I think we started the game very well and to keep on going after conceding the first goal was really good to see."

Iseka's goal was his third in as many matches. The Belgian forward signed in the summer but his Reds debut was delayed first by work permit and fitness issues. Since he broke his duck for the season against Sheffield United, he has started to show the player he can be.

"He's getting better and better," said Laumann. "He's adapting to the league and sometimes when a foreign player comes in it's difficult but he's adapting well now."

Rooney was critical of his Derby players for a limp performance. His Rams team are playing catch-up after being docked 12 points for going into administration but would have gone above Barnsley on goal difference with victory.

"There's been games where I have been frustrated because we should have won but tonight I'm disappointed and hurt," he said. "I expect more from individuals and as group.

"We played with a lack of intensity. We're in a relegation battle. We need more.

"It's an opportunity missed.

"For 90 minutes I felt we weren't at it at all. That's not the character I want from my team. Far from it, I expect more and the players know that."