BARNSLEY head coach Darrell Clarke admits his side must give respect to a ‘tough’ Stevenage side tomorrow but knows his team are confident of taking on the challenge.
The Reds are currently sitting third in the League One table having picked up ten points from the opening five games of the campaign.
They have won both away fixtures in the league so far – a 2-1 win at Lincoln and a 3-0 thrashing against Crawley Town – but Clarke knows his side will have to be on top form to keep up their 100 per cent winning streak.
He said: “Stevenage is always a tough place to go and play.
“Like any other team they have their strengths and their weaknesses.
“They’ve got plenty of experience in there and they’ve strengthened their front line.
“We have to be respectful but we’re in a good run of form ourselves and we’ll be going there in a confident mood.”
Tomorrow’s hosts Stevenage are sitting in 17th having not won since a 1-0 victory at home to Shrewsbury on the opening day.
But their performances have generally been solid so far and Clarke admits that their current league position may not be a true reflection.
“We’re talking about four games, that’s how many they’ve played,” Clarke added.
“They’re on four points.
“When we talk about bad starts, what do you class as a bad start?
“There’s a lot of football to be played.
“Teams are just finding their connections and the cohesion.
“Stevenage are a team on paper that have a very good squad.
“They’ll get our full respect.”
They have been plagued with injuries, most notably last season’s top scorer Jamie Reid has not played a minute of league football.
He is in contention for tomorrow’s match and will bolster Boro’s attacking options having only scored twice so far in the league.
But Clarke says he is more focused on his team.
He added: “With the greatest respect we focus on ourselves.
“We understand Stevenage’s strengths and Jamie Reid is obviously a top goalscorer.
“He’s a dangerous player but they have a lot of dangerous players and we’ve got to respect them.”
Stevenage were pushing for promotion under Steve Evans last year but dropped off towards the end of the season, with the Scot eventually leaving to become Rotherham United manager.
He was replaced by his protege and former player Alex Revell.
How does Clarke expect Boro to line up tomorrow?
“They have a way of playing that can hurt you,” he said.
“They put a lot of balls in the box and are good on transitions and good on counter attacks.”
Reds midfielder Adam Phillips hobbled off after his winner last weekend against Bristol Rovers with a tight hamstring.
Clarke would not say whether or not he would be available for tomorrow’s game.
He’s scored four goals this season, making him the joint top-scorer alongside Birmingham City’s million pound signing Alfie May.
He was nominated for the League One Player of the Month this year but Stockport striker Louie Barrie was awarded the accolade instead.
Clarke added: “Adam’s a vital player for ourselves.
“He’s a vital player for the team.
“But I’m sure that Adam would tell you himself, it’s about his teammates producing that quality as well.
“Players being able to spot his runs is why Adam’s getting his chances.
“I’m sure Adam will look at that and say it’s a team game.
“Full credit for Adam for being nominated for the award.”
The two teams have played each other just twice – both taking place last season – with one win for each team.
The game kicks off at 3pm on Saturday.
Barnsley will then travel to Old Trafford on Tuesday to take on Premier League giants Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
The Reds will be backed by more than 6,000 Barnsley fans.
But the head coach says he is not thinking about the glamorous cup tie – and neither should his players.
Clarke said: “I won’t tolerate it.
“I’ve programmed my players’ mindset just to focus on the next game.
“Tuesday’s game takes care of itself when it comes along.
“Players shouldn’t even have any thoughts on Tuesday night’s game.
“If not, they won’t be selected.”
