Conor Hourihane thought his side played ‘OK’ in their 1-1 home draw with Peterborough United and was hopeful Fabio Jalo’s injury was not very long-term.
The visitors took the lead but Jon Russell levelled with a fine goal just before half-time.
Hourihane said: “I thought we did OK. In the first half we were sloppy in possession and maybe a yard off in our press.
“I got the message on after 30 minutes and it improved. We scored a lovely goal at a really good time.
“In the second half we were alright. We played some decent stuff, missed some chances. They never really looked threat in second half. But at the start of the game, we spoke about transition so the disappointing thing is we conceded from one.”
Russell scored a fine leveller from a Davis Keillor-Dunn assist. Hourihane said: “It’s a top finish. Davo does what he does, makes a really good decision on the ball and the set is lovely for Jon to come onto it first time and it’s a great finish. It’s one of them he will look back at. They don’t always come off but luckily today it did.”
Barnsley missed some big chances to win it. Hourihane said: “We got into good areas, particularly down their right hand side. Davo had a couple of chances but he’s had an amazing season so no one will point a finger at him.
“I think we had the better of the season half. We’ve had poor seconds halves over this season so it’s a positive today. If anyone was going to win it I thought it was us.”
Hourihane dropped academy graduate goalkeeper Kieran Flavell for fit-again loanee Joe Gauci. He said: “Flav needed a breather, Blandy (Jonathan Bland) was the same. They have been through a testing period and both done terrifically well. We needed that little bit more experience. Blandy came on and did well. They have taken the opportunity but sometimes young lads need a breather.”
Fabio Jalo picked up a serious-looking knee injury. Hourihane said: “It’s too early to know but he’s a bit upset. He’s had a difficult season, being in and out of the team with injuries. Fingers crossed it’s not long-term because he’s shown some good form over the course of my time. Hopefully he can be in a decent place for the summer because that will be important for him.”
Corey O’Keeffe and Stephen Humphrys missed the game due to injury. Hourihane said: “They both picked up niggles at Orient, nothing major. They both should be training this week and back in contention for Shrewsbury. This game just came too soon for them.”
Defender Josh Earl added: “There were lot of positives to take. We conceded a transition goal which we’ve faced a lot of recently and something we should tidy up on. But we were the team going to win at the end.”
