Darrell Clarke says Barnsley’s 2-1 win at Northampton ‘took a few years off my life’ but praised his side for holding on for a second win of the week.

The Reds went 2-0 up due to Davis Keillor-Dunn’s brace then Corey O’Keeffe made a mistake for a home goal and Mael de Gevigney was sent off.

Clarke said: “We were in control without getting loads going but never looked in danger of conceding. Then we give a really silly goal away and it’s backs to the wall and Mael gets sent off. It took a few years off my life. Credit to the boys. We’ve talked about those moments when we have to dig in."

O’Keeffe’s poor backpass was intercepted to make it 2-1 then he was immediately substituted. Clarke said: “I was frustrated because I was getting ready to change him because he was leggy. I didn’t bring him off because he made the mistake. Players make mistakes. Corey has been superb this season and the lads got him out of it there.”

Clarke hinted Barnsley would appeal de Gevigney’s red card for a tackle on Will Hondermarck. He said: “He didn’t need to make the tackle. We will have a look at it because, with the injuries we’ve got, it’s not a good thing. We’ll analyse it.”

Clarke praised defender Marc Roberts, saying: “Robbo has been absolutely outstanding the last two games. He’s headed everything. The bloke’s a lion. We needed him and he came up trumps.”

Barnsley have cut the gap to the play-offs from ten points to four with two wins this week. Clarke said: “It’s been two good wins but we have to improve our performances.

“I didn’t think the performance with the ball was very good. But Northampton are a tough team to play against. I am delighted with the six points this week.

“The boys have dug in this week. We were looking for a big week and two steps of that week are sorted with six points and now we’ve got a massive game at home to Lincoln on Saturday. I am sure our fans will be back behind us in numbers. We have to keep chipping away. We lost our form a little bit after the Christmas period but six points puts us in the mix.”