Stendel’s ‘proud’ of his young Reds side

BARNSLEY may have missed the chance to consolidate second spot, but boss Daniel Stendel was encouraged by his patchedup side’s display in the goalless draw at Doncaster.

It may have been a tame South Yorkshire derby, with chances at a premium, but Stendel was the happier of the two managers after the absence of several players forced him to throw in youngsters Victor Adeboyejo, Jordan Williams and Ben Williams, while Zeki Fryers played most of the match.

“I am proud of my team,” Stendel said. “Okay, we can play better, but we had several players out and some of those I put in have only started one or two games this season.

“We had never put out a team like this before and they needed a bit of time as we had a lot of young players on the pitch.

“It was good we came in at half-time at 0-0 as Rovers had a lot of chances and Adam Davies made some good saves. But in the second half we had the control and put pressure on them. They had a big chance, but I think it was their only one.”

After Mamadou Thiam fired into the side netting inside the first minute for the visitors, Reds keeper Davies then pulled off a terrific double save diving low to his right to keep out Mallik Wilks’ header and then smothering John Marquis’ follow-up.

Wilks fired inches wide, before James Coppinger’s fierce shot through a crowded box was saved by Davies.

Barnsley created few openings, but Cauley Woodrow’s shot was beaten away by Marko Marosi, who then palmed out Adeboyejo’s cross shot.

Rovers sub Kieran Sadlier nearly won it for Rovers at the death, but Davies saved brilliantly and denied Alfie May from the follow-up.

Rovers boss Grant McCann was left frustrated as the draw made it six games without a win.

“I thought we were excellent in the first half, we had real energy and a tempo, but it wasn’t to be,” said the Ulsterman.

“In the first half we were the best team and should have been two or three up.

“The second was quite even, but we moved the ball too slowly. I am disappointed we didn’t take any of our chances. We matched them and probably bettered them over the 90 minutes.”