Gabriel Slonina was thrilled to mark his Barnsley debut with two penalty saves in a shoot-out win at Wigan Athletic in the EFL Cup.
The Reds won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Chelsea loanee Slonina said: “Making one save is good so to make the second is huge. Something like this really helps to build bonds with the team. I couldn’t have hoped for anything better.
“It’s my job to come here and win games. I am more happy for the team to be into the next round.
"I was a little bit nervous but in a good way. It wasn’t my best 90 minutes. I can be much better with my feet. But it’s a good first game to build off.”
Assistant coach Martin Devaney added: “He’s done really well. We were all looking forward to watching him and seeing how he handles his debut. He’s come out the hero.”
On the game in general, Devaney said: “We are really pleased. We would have liked to have scored when we put them under pressure and had really good chances. Wigan are a good side so we’re really pleased we’re in the next round.
“It’s really important to get a win under your belt as soon as you can. I think we just edged it. It would be nice to have a cup run. We’ll see who we get in the next round.”
Teenager Vimal Yoganathan made his second start but was taken off at the break having been booked and conceded a penalty.
“He’s young and inexperienced and he’ll learn from that.
“He’s a prospect. He’s learning the game in this environment. We know he is aggressive in his tackling but he has to be controlled. He got a booking early doors and then he gives away the penalty. He will learn a lot. He has to reflect. We will stick with him.”
Donovan Pines returned from surgery in March and scored Barnsley’s leveller. Devaney said: “Donovan did really well coming into a game like this. He got 55 minutes which is really pleasing. He’s an asset so we have to look after him. Everyone at the club is really pleased to see him get through it. We have seen his threat from set pieces and he showed it tonight at the back post.”
Max Watters came off the bench and missed a big chance in injury-time but scored in the shoot-out. Devaney said: “It’s good for his confidence. He got his goal however it came. He ran the channels well, showed his acceleration and pace and strength. He caused a few problems. It’s positive.”
