Video - Peterborough v Barnsley: Hourihane cautions against over excitement

Barnsley's Conor Hourihane. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

The relief was palpable on Saturday for beleaguered Johnson and his Reds side, who avoided the ignominy of equalling the club’s record sequence of nine consecutive league defeats – set in 1952-53 – with a precious 2-1 victory at Oldham Athletic.

It ended a run of eight straight League One reverses which had piled considerable pressure upon Johnson’s shoulders.

But despite this run, the club’s hierarchy have stood by their man and bucked the nationwide trend in the process – 19 managers have left their posts since early September.

On the club’s decision to retain Johnson, named as Barnsley head coach on February 25, Hourihane said: “There’s so many sackings these days, that it is crazy really.

“Managers are not given time to implement things on the squad and club and it’s been refreshing for the board to stick with the gaffer. Hopefully, as players, we can repay the board and move forward.

“But let’s not get too excited, it’s only one win and we need to build on it and in the right direction.”

Back in the side following injury, Hourihane underlined his importance to the Reds’ cause with a stunning strike in the Roses win at Johnson’s old club Oldham.

The Cork-born midfielder admits that being on the sidelines watching his team-mates suffer had been galling, while admitting that Barnsley’s lowly position represents an embarrassment.

Hourihane, conscious of the need to back up the weekend win with another positive display and result at in-form Peterborough this evening, added: “Our position is embarrassing, big-time. You have your self-pride and, with me being injured, it hurt a bit more as I knew I couldn’t help the lads out and they were struggling a little bit. With the squad of players we have, they are a talented bunch and shouldn’t be where we are.”

Johnson added: “We haven’t fully turned the corner yet, we know that and one swallow doesn’t make a summer.”

Last six games: Peterborough LWLWWW, Barnsley LLLWLW.

Referee: N Kinseley (Essex).

Last time: Peterborough 2 Barnsley 1; October 18, 2014; League One.