Valerien Ismael praises Barnsley's mentality as they 'find a way' to beat Wycombe Wanderers

Goals from Callum Styles and Cauley Woodow's fifth penalty of the season sandwiched a Joe Jacobson spot kick.

Ismael appreciated the character his side showed to claim the three points.

“It's certainly not my way to play football, to see it played this way every three days, it's a different kind of football, another approach,” he said. “I knew it would be competitive but I asked my guys to do it well, stay focused on the gameplan because it would be a tough game and that's what happened.

“One goal between the two teams made it difficult but I was very happy with the mentality, to come back (from Jacobson's equaliser) and to show we wanted to win. It was a very important game for us against a direct opponent in the table and it gave us big belief for the game on Saturday (when Barnsley make the short trip to South Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday).

“We tried to find a way wide. It was a gameplan which worked on the goal and in some situations.

“It was set-pieces, second ball and a fight to the end.

“We showed another mentality because the goal we conceded was outside the box (when Aapo Halme fouled Gareth McCleary), it was not a penalty. We showed good mentality.

“The guys are showing a lot of togetherness, even the players that come off the bench give us a lot of energy and the possibility to be dangerous. That's why I'm very happy with all the guys but I told all the guys we cant' enjoy it too long because we need all our energy, all our focus for the next game.”

Of Woodrow's six league goals this season, all but one has been a penalty. This was a strange one, the centre-forward putting the ball in the net just before referee Geoff Eltringham blew for a foul on Luke Thomas, forcing him to do it again.

“It gives me a very good feeling (when Woodrow takes a penalty),” said Ismael. “He has a very strong mentality because he scored a goal and when the ref whistled and said, 'Penalty!' he had to stay focused. He did very well and showed his quality.

“It was a strange decision, I have to say. Sometimes it was free, like wrestling, sometimes small fouls led to free-kicks but we won, Cauley scored another time and it's good for his confidence.”

Gareth Ainsworth admitted Barnsley were worthy winners after what he felt was his side's worst performance since the relegation-threatened side kick-started their season.

“If any team edged it tonight you've got to say Barnsley probably put their game together a bit better than we did,” he conceded.

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