TOP TYKES BRING TERRIERS TO HEEL
Struber’s successes continue at Oakwell
GERHARD Struber described his pride for his Barnsley team after they beat Huddersfield and continued their upturn in form since he took charge.
Alex Mowatt and Conor Chaplin put the hosts twonil up before Lewis O’Brien struck for Huddersfield.
Struber said: “I am very proud of my team. We played very well against a big opponent. This is a big opponent, Huddersfield, and they have a big budget.
“We create a very good game. We made the next step in my style on the ball.
“I think this is the next very important step on this strong way to stay in the league.
“In the second half, we lost more control and the opponent have many chances with long balls. It’s very hard to defend difficult long balls.
“In the end, I am very happy with the performance and with the mentality to win games.”
Following a quiet start, Barnsley struck in the 14th minute when Jacob Brown’s low cross from the right-hand side of the area was tapped in by the unmarked Mowatt from close range.
Clarke Oduor then put a freekick off target for the hosts.
Huddersfield’s Fraizer Cambell threatened when he won possession and advanced into the area before the danger was snuffed out by Jordan Williams, who made a timely interception.
Marcel Ritzmaier, who was making his Barnsley debut after signing from Austrian club Wolfsberger, then fired in a firm drive which was deflected wide.
Huddersfield manager Danny Cowley made a double substitution before the start of the second period, sending on Steve Mounie and Florent Hadergjonaj in place of Karlan Grant and Jaden Brown.
The visitors enjoyed more possession in the early stages of the second half but failed to create an opening.
Barnsley increased their lead in the 65th minute with Brown again the provider from the right-hand side of the area, squaring to Chaplin who fired into the net.
O’Brien pulled a goal back for Huddersfield a minute later with a thumping drive from the edge of the area.
Mounie went close to equalising soon after with a shot on the turn which was touched wide by Sami Radlinger.
Campbell wasted a great chance for Huddersfield, shooting over from a good position after meeting Juninho Bacuna’s free-kick.
Mounie also fired wide with an effort from inside the area.
Ritzmaier threatened to break free in the closing stages, losing his footing as he advanced towards the area.
Hadergjonaj and Campbell were both booked in stoppage time as they tried to usher Chaplin off the pitch when he was being substituted.
Cowley said: “It’s a disappointing outcome, for sure.
“I thought we started the game quite well and then conceded with their first venture into our box.
“I didn’t think that we played with the intensity or the energy that we would have liked after the first goal.”