Boro fans’ fury as Chaplin cheers
BARNSLEY boss Gerhard Struber praised his side’s attitude and energy after Conor Chaplin’s goal proved the difference at home to Middlesbrough.
The result means that Boro are now without a win in their last ten games in all competitions.
The visiting fans made their feelings clear as the manager and players made their way towards the tunnel, with chants of “you’re not fit to wear the shirt” echoing around the stadium.
Struber said: “The attitude and the energy was amazing and I’m very proud of my team today. I hope we can bring this energy in the next few weeks.
“We believe in us and we were very clear in our plan on the ball today. We had a different formation and my three centre-backs created a special performance.
“We celebrate a big win against a very good team. In the whole league, they have two strikers with very big quality and my three centre-backs gave them no chance.
“Conor is a top player for us. He scored and he works so hard.
“The whole team was strong together. Two clean sheets in a row and two victories.
“The atmosphere in the dressing room was always OK. Right now it is top.”
Lewis Wing threatened early on with a shot from inside the area which was blocked by Aapo Halme.
Boro keeper Aynsley Pears was forced to tip the ball away from Alex Mowatt’s tricky deep cross.
Mowatt drilled in a low shot which was deflected wide and following the resulting corner, Chaplin also put a low drive narrowly wide.
Wing fired wide from around 25 yards out.
Wing posed another threat early in the second half with a free-kick which was deflected wide off the defensive wall.
Shotton did well to head away as Chaplin waited to pounce.
Mowatt shot over from just inside the area while Cauley Woodrow missed the target with an effort from distance.
Woodrow then put a shot on target from inside the ‘D’, but it was straight at Pears, who gathered the ball comfortably.
Middlesbrough boss Jonathan Woodgate made a change in attack, sending Rudy Gestete on in place of Assombalonga.
Chaplin scored at the second attempt, firing into the net after his shot on the turn inside the area saw the ball hit the bar.
Woodgate made another sub in a bid to spark his team into life, with Hayden Coulson taking over from Morrison.
A final change soon followed with George Saville making way for Paddy McNair.
Chaplin left the field with Thomas taking his place.
Boro failed to pose a serious threat in the closing stages while Barnsley appeared content to see out the match, rarely venturing forward.
Woodgate said: “They played well and we weren’t great at times in the game. It was a really disappointing result for us.
“We’re going to get hard times. The fans are just as frustrated as we are so we just have to take it on the chin.
“We need to start winning games sharpish.”