Two goals in six matches, just one in the league told its own story.
City were struggling to finish opportunities, but we were still creating, and at a rain-lashed Oakwell, we finally scored, not one, but two.
The 2-0 win saw us finish top of the EFL Trophy group, eight goals scored, none conceded and a guaranteed draw at home in the next round.
A much-changed City team did the job, and Head Coach Michael Skubala was delighted speaking to John Helm post-match.
“Credit to every man who came on and everyone who started,” he said. “I thought it was a really good performance. I loved the energy in the team today. We looked connected and more like ourselves.
“We created good chances, scored a couple of nice goals and probably could have had more.”
Into the squad came the injured trio of Oisin Gallagher, Dom Jefferies and Jack Moylan. Oscar Thorn, a summer signing from Colchester, also started, as did Erik Ring, experiencing a resurgence after his goal at Salford City.
Fin Barbrook, on loan from Ipswich Town, also dropped into the midfield against a strong Barnsley outfit.
“I loved Oisin today. I think he’s showing where he’s going to end up, and just to see him against some top players in this league was brilliant.
“Finley was magnificent, he’s been training so well, and tonight he showed why we brought him to the club on loan. A young player, but he steadied the game nicely.
“I thought Erik Ring did really well, and Oscar worked hard off the back of it too.
“There were some top performances in there, but what stood out was the energy. DJ brought real energy in the middle of the pitch, and that’s what we love about him. The bravery to play at the right times and go in behind was excellent.”
Michael pointed to Barnsley’s strength, including Luca Connell, David McGoldrick and Davis Keillor-Dunn, as a further example of the Imps’ good performance.
“They put a really strong team out tonight because they wanted to finish top too, but I thought we had some really good performances. They had a bit of the ball, but they didn’t trouble us much.
“We looked the team most likely to score, maybe even had a shout for a penalty at the end. When you’re on the road and results aren’t going your way, it can hurt. But we all care, we all keep working hard, and we’re calm. The lads have been hurting from not picking up points, but we just have to keep going.
“It’s nice to get a win tonight and now head into Doncaster on Saturday with confidence.”
The result means the Imps will now get a home draw in the competition, with the next round scheduled for the first week of December. The EFL Trophy draw takes place tomorrow.
However, a home tie and the prize money are both side benefits to a result that has put a little more confidence in our attackers, and has given Michael food for thought as he looks to select his side for the Doncaster outing.
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