Luton Town v Barnsley FC: Conor Hourihane urges Reds to 'upset the party'
CONOR Hourihane has challenged his Barnsley players to 'upset the party' in his penultimate weekend in charge of the Reds.
The mid-table Oakwell outfit have little to play for at Kenilworth Road in terms of League One standings and the game, on paper, means a great deal more to the hosts, with all sections of the stadium sold out to Hatters supporters.
With two games to go, Luton are one place outside of the play-offs and three points behind the side currently occupying the final place in the top six in neighbours Stevenage.
Town have a better goal difference and can take things to the last day with victory over the Reds. Luton visit Bolton Wanderers next weekend.
Saturday's game is given added piquancy by other factors as well.
Luton were trounced 5-0 in the reverse fixture at Oakwell in the autumn, for one.
There are also some Barnsley links in the home ranks in the shape of popular former Reds captain Mads Andersen and former midfielder Jordan Clark, who hails from Hoyland.
The likes of Stevenage, Stockport County and even Bradford City are likely to have one eye on developments in Bedfordshire, but Hourihane hoping to witness another good performance to match their showing against the promotion-chasing Bantams seven days ago.
He said: "Regardless of the fact that I'm going in a week's time and the season's finishing for us in a week's time, the lads should be hugely motivated for this fixture.
"It's a really, really exciting game. It's one where the pressure is on them to keep winning, really.
" And we need to go there and enjoy the energy and enjoy the atmosphere and try and upset the party, really."
Barnsley's last double over Luton was back in 1995-96.