The Football League Paper

PAUL TOASTS ONE HECK OF A RESULT

- By Rob Smith

ADELIGHTED Paul Heckingbot­tom has warned his side that the hard work starts here after Barnsley ended their winless run with victory over Brentford.

The Tykes had failed to secure maximum points in their previous six matches before travelling to Griffin Park, shipping eight goals in their last three games.

But goals in either half from Adam Armstrong and then Sam Winnall – not to mention a few fine saves from goalkeeper Adam Davies - helped Barnsley ruin Brentford’s big day as they celebrated their 4,000th Football League match.

Heckingbot­tom said: “I’m really pleased with the result, it’s what we’ve been after now for the past few games. I think we’ve performed well recently but not got the reward. Here we got the reward through a good performanc­e and I think that was down to fewer errors and the decision making was much better.

“The eight goals we conceded in the previous three games were down to us and they were fundamenta­l things that we did wrong. We managed to put it right and we’ve come away with a clean sheet.

“I’ve got to give credit to my players because it’s a big jump up for a lot of them. In this league you’ve got to learn quickly and work hard and that’s what my team are doing.

“We know every game is a challenge and we’ve got to bring that type of performanc­e every game to get a win.”

Brentford almost made the perfect start with defender Maxime Colin inches away and Barnsley’s Ryan Kent also saw his 18-yard drive well saved by Daniel Bentley.

Sullay Kaikai then shot over from six yards after 27 minutes and would pay moments later as Armstrong prodded Barnsley ahead, finding the bottom corner from ten yards following Marley Watkins’ knock-down.

Bentley had to deny Winnall and Watkins early in the second period, while Davies did well to deny Scott Hogan, who also went close to restoring parity on the hour mark as he flashed a nearpost shot wide.

Barnsley would then double their lead in the 66th minute with Winnall converting from point-blank range after Kent’s attempt had cannoned off the post.

The Bees almost reduced the deficit with time running out as Colin saw his effort crash against the post, before Nico Yennaris saw his shot tipped over.

And Bees boss Dean Smith admitted his side became unstuck by their sluggish buildup play.

“My emotions are frustratio­n and disappoint­ment,” saId Smith.“I thought we controlled the first half and had the better chances to give us the lead. We’ve given them a helping hand with their goals.

“I felt our decisions on the ball were poor. Three of four times in the first half we had the opportunit­y to score and play Scott (Hogan) in, but we took the extra touch and that slowed the play down.

“I think we found it tough when they took the lead because the onus is on you to be on the front foot.

“I didn’t get the reaction from the team that I wanted at halftime and they were the better side after the break.

“We then took control of the game and created enough chances to win the game but didn’t take them.”

 ?? PICTURE: Martin Cole/ProSports ?? SKY HIGH: Barnsley scorer Sam Winnall celebrates STAR MAN RYAN KENT Barnsley
PICTURE: Martin Cole/ProSports SKY HIGH: Barnsley scorer Sam Winnall celebrates STAR MAN RYAN KENT Barnsley
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