BARNSLEY head coach Daniel Stendel revealed his pride after his young braves dug deep to chisel out a fine win, with substitute Amari Richards' 87th-minute goal giving them a 2-1 Roses success over Blackpool at Oakwell.

The Reds, seeking a third successive victory in all competitions for the first time in nearly a year, took the lead on 61 minutes when captain Cameron McGeehan got a key touch to Patrick Kelly's low shot - for his third goal of the campaign.

Pool levelled just four minutes later, curtesy of Josh Bowler, on an evening when three points would have seen them go joint top.

But it was Barnsley's night, although not without a fair bit of controversy.

Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel watches on during his side's win over Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel watches on during his side's win over Blackpool. Photo: Tony Johnson.

Reyes Cleary's cross appeared to be flicked on by the hand of Kelly with substitute Amari Richards - who produced a fine display after coming on at the interval - seeing his looping header sail into the fair corner of the net for his maiden Reds goal.

The triumph has moved Stendel's side up to fifth in the League One table. They host Stevenage this weekend.

Stendel said: "I think today was maybe not the style (that won the game), it was the mentality and the belief until the end that we can win this game.

"I think we played against a really good team who are experienced a lot in Blackpool on the pitch, but our young players defended well, tried to win the duels and believed until the end, and this was the game-changer for us today.

Barnsley star winger Reyes Cleary takes on Blackpool's Finley Munroe. Photo: Tony Johnson.

"This is also one part of what we want to change, to show everybody - not only in the stadium but also in the league - that we are ambitious.

"I have the feeling a little bit, especially in the second half, to bring a little bit more emotion on the pitch, because I know we have a young team and they need some help from outside.

"I said to the players at half time that when we do some things, the support is there and we need that and (with) what I said in the second half, I'd also felt I gave a little bit more emotion inside and the players did it really well, I am really proud."

Cleary started the game, despite unconfirmed reports that he tabled a transfer request on deadline day in a bid to force through a move amid a summer of speculation surrounding his future.

The club refused to bulge from their valuation of the winger, despite bids from Championship clubs during the summer window.

Asked about Cleary's mindset, Stendel added: "A lot of things were possible in the last day and the last hours, but he's still a player for Barnsley and there was no question that he (wouldn't) start today.

"And he wants to play, he wants to help the team and I think he does it well.

"This is also a sign for his character. I think he has every chance to show everybody in the country he's a really spectacular player, and I believe that - and I want to improve him when I work with him - and I'm happy that he's still in the club.

"I think he's also really young and it's also not so easy for him, the situation, a lot of voices around him, but I think the reaction today on the pitch was a really good reaction."