Oakwell debut is a stroll for Struber

GERHARD STRUBER was bursting with pride after marking his home debut as Barnsley boss with three vital points.

The rock-bottom Tykes had gone 18 games without victory in league and cup since they won 1-0 at home to Fulham in their first match this season.

But Alex Mowatt and Mike Bahre set each other up in either half and striker Conor Chaplin sealed the win deep in stoppage time after Hull sub Keane Lewis-Potter had pulled one back.

Struber, whose side are now five points from safety, said: “I’m very proud for my boys and for the fans.

“It’s a special situation for me. I’ve only been here about 10 days and this is our first small step in the right direction.”

Barnsley took the lead in the 23rd minute when Mowatt produced a worldie after Bahre had given him the ball.

Referee John Brooks waved away home penalty appeals following Reece Burke’s tackle in the box shortly after before in-form Jarrod Bowen went close for the visiting Tigers.

It took until the 75th minute for the second goal to arrive – Bahre slotting home after Mowatt returned the favour with the assist.

Alarm bells rang when Lewis-Potter headed in from close range in the 81st minute but Chaplin calmed any nerves when he fired home after being fed by Jacob Brown.

Hull boss Grant McCann said: “It’s disappointing because I don’t think we played well at all.

“Credit to Barnsley. They pressed us well, but we didn’t show any calmness, authority or bravery in possession.

“I’m angry with our possession.”