Reds go trawling for return to play-off spots at City's expense

For the Reds – sitting three points off the top six after last week’s defeat to Southend United – travel to Fleetwood Town having never beaten the Cod Army in a competitive game over 90 minutes.

Five times the sides have met since Fleetwood joined the Football League, resulting in two defeats for Barnsley and the remaining three games finishing in draws.

Of course, the last two meetings came in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy northern final, which ended 2-2 on aggregate, but the Reds won 4-2 on penalties.

Now, caretaker coach Paul Heckingbottom is looking for three points tomorrow to try to close the gap on sixth-placed Bradford City. Only five points separate fifth-placed Millwall and Southend in 10th.

“After 90 minutes, we want to make sure we’ve won the game and that’s what we’ll be aiming for,” said Heckingbottom. “We’re just outside the play-offs and we know what we have to do, it’s that simple. The run has been good, the form’s been good.

“There’s that many teams involved in it, it’s going to be chopping and changing.”

Barnsley duo Ashley Fletcher (England Under-20s) and Callum Connolly (England Under-19s) look set to miss the Easter games against Scunthorpe United and Port Vale after receiving international call-ups.

Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith has been included in the England Under-21 squad to play Switzerland.

Wildsmith said: “It’s been a big season for me so far and I’m very proud of what’s been achieved and there are a lot of people to thank. The gaffer has been brilliant with me.”