CONOR McCarthy says Barnsley’s home record this season is ‘scandalous’ and that: ‘individual errors cost us every week.’
The 11th-placed Reds have won just five of 20 home league games and have conceded the most goals on their own turf in the third tier.
Defender McCarthy told the Chronicle: “It’s nowhere near good enough, for the demands and expectations we set ourselves playing for Barnsley Football Club.
“Five wins in 20 is scandalous form.
“If we wanted to do anything this season, our home form had to be unbelievable but it hasn’t been and the table doesn’t lie.
“We still don’t want the season to peter out.
“We’re playing for one of the biggest clubs in the league and, every time we step onto the pitch, we’re expected to win.”
Barnsley lost 2-1 at home to Exeter on Tuesday, with the visitors netting a late winner after a mistake by Mael de Gevigney.
McCarthy said: “It was a real suckerpunch when we were in the ascendancy.
“It was an individual mistake but it’s a team game and we all need to take responsibility. The lads are absolutely deflated and it’s really gut-wrenching. But it’s our season in a nutshell.
“We’ve had really good play at times and just been sloppy. Individual errors cost us every week. If teams were to carve us open with 15 passes and play through the lines then put one in the top corner we could put our hands up and say ‘that was a good goal’ but that’s certainly not the case.”
McCarthy is currently playing under interim boss Conor Hourihane who is also from County Cork in the Republic or Ireland.
“I’ve really enjoyed it. You can tell he’s had a really successful career with the bits and pieces we’re picking up from training – just the small details you see at the top level which can make a difference in the lower leagues. He will be a top coach moving forward.”
McCarthy – who is out of contract in the summer – has played 20 games for the Reds this season, mainly as a back-up in the first half of the campaign, but he has started the last seven matches.
He has been playing on the left of the back three recently, despite being right-footed, and even played at left-back on Tuesday.
“I am versatile. It’s not a problem playing left-sided defence or left-back.
“I haven’t played as many minutes as I wanted to this season. But to get a run in the team in the last ten games or so has been really good.”
