Barnsley: Wilson salutes Reds resilience

After a gutsy 2-1 weekend success over Port Vale, the Reds dug deep to back up the result with a 1-0 Roses win over Oldham, thanks to a 12th-minute goal from Kane Hemmings.

After that, Barnsley had to surrender territory as Oldham enjoyed much more of the ball, with the Reds experienced rarguard of Martin Cranie, ex-Latics defender Jean-Yves M’Voto, Peter Ramage and Lewin Nyatanga held firm.

It helped the Reds record a fourth successive win at Oakwell and second on the spin in League One for the first time since mid-November as Wilson’s troops moved to within four points of sixth spot.

Wilson said: “It has been a good week. It is something that we spoke about privately and we were capable of doing it, but we did not want to look beyond the games.

“They have been very tough games. But I thought we have shown great resilience by going in front and being able to hold the lead.

“I think that defensively we have been outstanding in the last couple of days and that has given us that platform.

“I don’t think it is any coincidence with the senior boys coming back that we have been able to do that.”

While Barnsley struggled for opportunities, the one they created resulted in an excellent goal for Hemmings with their one quality move of the game.

The summer arrival from Cowdenbeath dispatched a clinical volley following a precision cross from Milan Lalkovic with George Waring also involved in the build-up.

Wilson, whose side visit his former club Swindon on Saturday, added: “I thought the speed at which we got on the ball and switched it to a key area, which we thought we would have a bit of joy with, was great.

“Milan had two touches and the next touch is off Kane and it was in the back of the net. I thought it was a real incisive and quick movement which got us the goal and the difference between the two teams.”