Conor Hourihane says the match-changing error in Tuesday’s 2-1 home loss to Exeter City is ‘the story of our season’ and the interim boss is ‘pulling my hair out’ as his wait for his first win goes on.
The Reds were behind at half-time but levelled through Stephen Humphrys then Mael de Gevigney lost the ball late on and Exeter won it.
Hourihane told the Chronicle: “It was disappointing how it finished in terms of the error. It was very similar to the Cambridge game, we gave a poor goal away then they went into a mid to low block and we tried to break them down. I thought the first half was a little bit slow so I wanted to change to a back four with Fabs (Fabio Jalo) and Humphs wide and Luca (Connell) to add energy which he did very well. We were on the front foot, pressed well and got a goal. The performance in the second half was decent but then the error is the story of the season. There is no excuse for that, I have let the lads know that. It’s been killing us in terms of results.”
De Gevigney also made an error at Wigan on Saturday. Hourihane said: “He’s been brilliant for the club but it’s been a tough week for him. He’s got to learn from it, take it on his shoulders and come through it. We all have bad patches whether it’s playing or coaching but you have to suck it up and move on.”
Humphrys ended a 23-game wait for a goal with the leveller. Hourihane said: “Humps did well. He looked bright at Wigan when he came on and I thought this would be a game for him. He worked hard and he was a positive from the night, definitely. It was a really good breakaway goal. He nearly got a second straight after which I thought it was a banker to see the net ripple but it wasn’t to be.”
Hourihane’s four games in charge have brought two draws and two losses. He said: “I am pulling my hair out. Over my four games, it’s been disappointing in terms of results. There have been decent spells in the last two games but I would have liked to have created more chances. To lose on that goal is so frustrating after all the information you give them.”
Barnsley have now won five out of 20 home games this season. Hourihane said: “The fans have had a disappointing couple of seasons at home. I was desperate to change that with the connection I have with them and amazing nights I had at Oakwell. I wanted to put smiles on faces but it hasn’t been the case so far which has been disappointing.”
Adam Phillips was not in the squad, having stayed on the bench on Saturday after missing a team meeting. Hourihane said: “We had a good chat today. He apologised, and trained well. I said the ball is in his court if he continues to train well, turning up on time and applying himself correctly and he said he’s fully ready for that. If he trains well Thursday, Friday, he will be in the squad selection for the weekend.”
Defender Donovan Pines also missed the match. Hourihane said: “Donovan has been struggling for rhythm and sharpness after injury. He played against Cambridge and looked a little bit rusty. He was on the bench at Wigan and probably would have stayed on the bench tonight. I wanted him to get a good couple of days in training and I need to get that sharpness back in him before he gets back on the pitch.”
