Neill Collins said Barnsley’s first half performance at Cambridge United was possibly the best of the season and he was delighted to continue a fine away run with a 4-0 win.
The Reds netted twice in each half to move up to fourth in League One with a fourth successive away victory.
Collins said: “The first half performance was maybe as good as we’ve been. We created good opportunities, scored two goals and defended because Cambridge put us under pressure form set pieces.
“We started the second half with poor decision-making but you might not put together a full 90 minutes against a good team who are well-organised.”
Barnsley are unbeaten away this season but have lost four of their last five at Oakwell in the league.
“The away form is outstanding. But at home, we have given away penalties to lose the first goal in three out of the four games we have lost. Our home form will improve but it says a lot about the mentality of the team to come here and win.
“Our away fans have been unbelievable. The away days have been excellent. We have another one then I hope our home fans see some of the great play we had tonight.”
Goalkeeper Liam Roberts made a successive of fine saves to keep the hosts at bay.
“We obviously want to try and stop Robbo having to produce so many saves. When you get set pieces in such a tight pitch, it will come in the box. He made two or three really good saves and deserved the clean sheet.”
The opening goal came from Nicky Cadden who had returned after being replaced by Owen Dodgson in previous games.
“It could have been easy to play Cads in the last game. He and Owen have been very good. Owen brings a couple of extra things defensively. But Cads is an attacking threat and, if he’s doing that, he’s hard for teams to deal with. They just need to keep pushing each other.”
Cadden added: “I made the run but I didn’t know if Corey (O’Keeffe) had seen me. It was a good ball, thankfully I took a good touch. I smashed it across the goalkeeper and it went in.
“We made it look easy. They have one of the best home records in the league, only conceded three before tonight and we scored four.
“We wanted to make things right from Saturday, we have done that and sent the home fans happy.”
Mael de Gevigney netted his first Reds goal after a corner was headed against him and the ball looped in.
Collins said: “Tonight was a big one for Mael. He played well on Saturday but it’s difficult in front that goal with all the Cambridge fans. It is quite intense.
“He’s brave and aggressive. As fortuitous as the goal was, the players earned that with the pressure they put on in the first half.”
Max Watters made it 3-0 on 59 minutes with shot which crept under the goalkeeper.
“Max did really well, in terms of what we asked him to do. The chance he scored is exactly what we want. He hit his shot early, the goalkeeper will want it back but I am pleased for him and he deserved it.
“We do have competition, we do have good players. Max is working ever so hard to to nail down that spot along with the other strikers. That is what we’re going to need, from all of them, if we’re going to be where we want to be.”
Jon Russell – another brought into the 11 – completed the rout with a fine strike. Collins said: “Jon was hard to leave out on Saturday. But I have told the players the only way to respond is to play really well you get an opportunity. Jon put in a good performance tonight.”
Russell’s goal was assisted by substitute Josh Benson who got some rare league minutes.
“It’s really pleasing for Josh. He’s worked hard. He knows he has lots to do to get where he wants to get to. But the quality he showed for the fourth goal is something we want to see more of.”
