Valerien Ismael takes pride in Barnsley's improvement, but frustration at two points dropped to Cardiff City

Ismael revealed afterwards Woolmer admitted he was wrong to give the corner that led to Sheyi Ojo's goal and the Bluebirds' fightback, claiming a point from a game they had not been in for nearly an hour.

At the same time, though, Ismael was honest enough to admit his side could have done more to prevent the first draw of his time as manager.

When he looked at the big picture, though, he was satisfied.

“If you see the development of the guys from the first game against Cardiff (November's 3-0 defeat in South Wales) to tonight it's clear to see we are on the right way,” he reflected

“We controlled the game, we controlled the second balls and it was clear to see.

“For sure the turning point was the mistake was the referee.

“If you give Cardiff set-pieces it's like a penalty for this team because it's very difficult to defend., Cardiff came back from this.

“We lost control of the game.”

The Reds also had an early “goal” cancelled out when Woolmer ruled Cauley Woodrow fouled Alex Smithies. Barnsley felt he had been pushed into the former Huddersfield Town goalkeeper before the ball went in off Aden Flint, who had a loan at Sheffield Wednesday before Christmas.

“There were some strange decisions, poor decisions,” said Ismael. “You have to accept we don't have VAR in the Championship. We have to speak more about their second goal because that was clearly our fault.”

Perhaps inevitably, ir came from former Barnsley striker Kieffer Moore at another corner.

“We made a mistake, the communication between Brad Collins and Callum Styles had to be better because we told them to avoid set-pieces,” said Ismael.

“We could have had a lucky punch at the end but it's mixed feelings. On one side pride at the development of the team, we can compete at any level in the Championship, which is a great feeling, but the other side is to be more clinical. It's another learning process for the guys and that's maybe a good sign.”

Barnsley had started the game so positively, shrugging off the disappointment of Woodrow's disallowed goals to score headers at set-pieces through Mads Andersen – his first goal for the club – and Woodrow.

“We said before the game it was all about set-pieces and second balls,” said Ismael.

“We needed this and we scored from set-pieces and had other situations to score so I'm very delighted with that against such an opponent. It's another way to play football for us.”

Asked about the overall improvement he referred to, Ismael pointed to “Mindset, mentality and (being) more adult.

“We have to work on it but the feeling is good.

“We learn quickly about all the situations we face in the Championship.”

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