Darrell Clarke admits ‘the dressing room is very low’ after a late 2-1 loss at Wycombe Wanderers but insists he will get Barnsley ‘through the other side.’
The Reds took the lead through Jon Russell but conceded through a second half penalty then had Marc Roberts sent off before a 95th-minute winner.
Head coach Darrell Clarke told the Chronicle: “It is a really sloppy second goal. We’re loose in possession then don’t mark the guy in the box. Phillo (Adam Phillips) has missed a great chance and Luca (Connell) is unfortunate with a lob.
“We can’t feel sorry for ourselves. We have to go again.
"It’s hard to keep picking them up but it’s my job. I have got through the other side of times like this many times as a manager and I will this time. I will make sure my players do. The changing room is very low but I will get them going.”
Donovan Pines conceded the penalty then Roberts was sent off minutes later for a rash tackle. Clarke said: “I haven’t looked at the clips. I thought we switched off from a throw and it looked a clumsy foul (for the penalty). It was strong tackle from Robbo who has apologised. I won’t chuck players under the bus, we have to stick together.
“Robbo is honest and he’s disappointed. He’s held his hands up. I won’t sacrifice him, I will deal with it in house."
Wycombe responded to falling behind by creating a series of chances. Clarke said: “We scored then they had a lot of long balls over the top, we weren’t defending well enough and they caused us problems. We regrouped at half-time. We knew we would have to weather a storm because Wycombe have only lost one game at home all season.
“We defended well at times, the ‘keeper has made a couple of good saves. Early (Josh Earl) missed a great chance, middle of the goal from a set piece - you have to take those chances and 2-0 gives you a massive chance.”
Max Watters and Stephen Humphrys came off injured. Clarke said: “We will have to assess them. It’s not ideal but we can’t feel sorry for ourselves. Injuries are part and parcel. The lads need me. They will get my full support and we’ll look to turn the corner on Saturday.”
Losing two strikers could increase the need for new signings but Clarke would not comment on progress in the transfer window other than to say the club was continuing to work hard behind the scenes.
Phillips started the game on the bench. Clarke said: “He was ill last night with flu symptoms. He couldn’t eat with the boys. He picked up a bit but I was never going to risk him for the full game.”
