JOHN McAtee admits he can’t explain the wild difference between Barnsley’s results at home and away but believes: ‘at the end of the season we will have something to cheer about.’
While the Reds have broken a club record for away points this season, their form at Oakwell is much worse.
They were beaten 2-0 at home to Cambridge on Friday, with McAtee hitting the post from close-range at 1-0.
The striker told the Chronicle: “It’s difficult to put your finger on it.
“Our fans are class away and home.
“Maybe we’re just better away but we will keep trying at home and I am sure, at the end of the season, we will have something to cheer about.”
He added: “Results like Cambridge and Lincoln and Cheltenham, they do take a toll. You go home and you’re upset. I have thought about the chance over and over and even had dreams about it.”
McAtee made amends with a brace at Burton Albion on Monday which took him to ten League One goals this season, with three in the cup.
“Thirteen is a good return, considering it’s my first year in League One.
“But, with the team I am playing with the and chances we create, I want to score more.
“I will keep trying to improve and hopefully I will get some more.”
Barnsley are eight points off the top two with six games left, and one in hand on Derby County. McAtee said: “You’re not going to give up. You never know what can happen in football.
“Every game in League One is tough. We have to put in the work in in training and finish as high as possible.”
They came from behind to win in Staffordshire, taking their points total from losing positions to 28 which is a club record and most in the division.
“That was reiterated to us at the start of the year. Last year, I have been told, it was a different story.
“It’s nice to have that never say die attitude where we go one down and know we have the quality and players in the team who can make a difference.
“At Burton it was me and Luca (Connell). All year we’ve had D (Devante Cole), Phillo (Adam Phillips), Cozzy (Sam Cosgrove), the wing-backs. Loads of lads have chipped in.”
Barnsley fans chanted for head coach Neill Collins to be sacked on Monday.
McAtee said: “They pay for their tickets. Not every game you just turn up and win. Every week is different. Especially when teams sit back against us, it’s difficult. We like to think we stick together and if we keep doing that, I am sure we’ll finish strongly.”
He added: “Luckily most of the fans like me. I think they are a class group of fans. They make themselves heard positively or negatively and rightly so most of the time.”
