BARNSLEY defender Josh Earl admits the Reds will need to cut out the silly defensive mistakes if they are to push for promotion this season.

The 25-year-old who joined from Fleetwood Town in January has almost been a mainstay in the team since his debut.

He has played as a left-wing-back and a left-sided centre-back so far this season and played in both positions in Saturday’s win against Bristol Rovers.

But which does he feel most comfortable in?

He told the Chronicle: “I probably feel most comfortable on the left side of the three.

“But I’ve said this many times – I don’t mind where I’m playing as long as I’m playing.

“I enjoy playing in loads of different positions and adapting to loads of different positions.

“I think that’s a strength of mine.”

The Reds have only registered one clean sheet this season in the league – a 3-0 win away at Crawley – and The Gas’ equaliser on Saturday saw a defensive mix-up by American pair Donovan Pines and Gaga Slonina.

Earl knows the defence have to cut those errors out if they are to achieve their aim of promotion this season.

“Any mistake like that you’ve got to try and iron it out,” he added.

“It’s difficult because mistakes like that do happen at every level unfortunately.

“At times it will be us and then it’ll be the other team and we might get a goal from it.

“But the lads know what to do if they’re in the same situation next time.

“It’s just one of those things you’ll learn from and we’ll crack on for the next game.”

The Reds now sit in third place after five games in League One, accumulating ten points in the process.

But Earl says that’s not something the team or coaching staff are looking at.

“Honestly I’ve not looked at it (the league table) once yet – I think it would be a bit silly to,” he said.

“We’ve had little mentions of it but it’s ten points from five games.

“We’ve got a lot of football to play.

“It’s just about gaining momentum from these type of wins.”