Darrell Clarke says he expected more from this Barnsley team at the start of the season following a 2-2 draw at home to Wycombe Wanderers and added: ‘there is a lot I don’t like at the minute.’
The Reds fell behind twice in the second half but levelled quickly through Stephen Humphrys then Marc Roberts.
Head coach Clarke told the Chronicle: “I don’t want to sound like a broken record but it was bitty again. The lads showed character to get back in the game but I’ve told them I want and expect more. I can’t fault the effort, application and desire to want to do more. But we have to produce more quality.
"We have to be sharper with the ball and feel confident moving forward. There is a lot I don’t like at the minute from the performances and that’s up to me and the staff to make sure they get more consistent.
“People keep telling me there is talent in the team. I understand where they are coming form. But I expected more at a club like Barnsley, more consistency. There were a lot of five and sixes when it should be seven or eights. At the minute I am searching for answers. I played with three formations again tonight.”
Barnsley – who started in a 4-4-2 with four centre-backs and Barry Cotter and Kyran Lofthouse on the wings – began the game well but the first half became a very boring match. Clarke said: “We sapped the energy out of the crowd by taking too long on the ball. The goalie (Gaga Slonina) spends too long before making a decision, he needs to quicken his game up. We don’t tell the boys to play slow.
“I went 4-4-2 with two quick wingers to try to get on the front foot. But we have to move the ball sharper. It was there for ten or 15 minutes but then it was bitty.
“It was poor on Saturday (against Stockport) and I wanted to change things. People go on about formations but, if you don’t look after the ball, it doesn’t matter what formation you’re playing.”
Humphrys scored the first leveller, assisted by fellow substitute Fabio Jalo while Josh Benson also came off the bench and played well, setting up the second goal for Roberts.
Clarke said: “I said in the dressing room that the game-changers off the bench did really well. I am looking forward to Humphs getting really fit. I would love to build a consistent team but, at the minute, there are not many players saying ‘I am going to be regular.’
"Marc Roberts was absolutely outstanding - heading everything in the box. A lot of the players weren’t at the levels I think they are capable of getting to. They need to get there if they want to stay here and kick on.”
Top-scorer Adam Phillips was not involved. Benson said: “He’s been struggling with a toe injury for a while. We need to see how it settles down. We’ve had a scan on it. Hopefully it’s not too bad.”
