TYKES ‘ARE GETTING THE JOB DONE’
VALERIEN Ismael praised his Barnsley side’s control of the game after their victory over Middlesbrough.
Goals from Alex Mowatt and Daryl Dike strengthened the Tykes’ play-off push as Boro lost a fourth consecutive away game.
Mowatt broke the deadlock directly from a corner in the 62nd minute. Swinging in from the tightest of angles, the skipper’s cross found its way into the back of the net as Marcus Bettinelli rushed out and missed the ball.
Dike scored a fifth goal in five games to double Barnsley’s lead in the 76th minute. Latching onto Callum Brittain’s cross, the American netted with a strong diving header.
Ismael said: “At the end of the day, all that matters is getting the job done. The first half was a sleepy game without intensity. The opponent was very organised and tried to take the time from the clock.
“We didn’t find a way to put the pressure on the opponent in the first half, but we were stable and we didn’t concede any shots.
“In the second half we changed to have more impact on the front three. We controlled the second half completely.
“It’s very important that we scored the second goal in the right moment. It was our purpose to win the game because the next three points mean that you cross the 70-point line.
“We are capable to score at any time and a big focus from the guys was to stay in the game.”
The hosts started brightest. Dike was first to let loose on goal as he fired over Bettinelli’s crossbar early on.
George Saville responded as he registered Boro’s first chance of the afternoon. Failing to capitalise on Toby Sibbick’s defensive error in the opening minutes, the midfielder caught the defender short at the back.
Intercepting a headed pass to Brad Collins, the Northern Irishman couldn’t beat the goalkeeper from close range. Cauley Woodrow tried his hand at goal midway through the first half. Skewing a volley wide inside Middlesbrough’s penalty area, the forward failed to trouble the backline.
Paddy McNair threatened the Barnsley defence after the re-start. Rocketing his shot into a sea of red, the defender’s deflected effort only resulted in a Boro corner.
Mowatt broke the deadlock directly from a corner in the 62nd minute. The skipper’s corner found its way into the back of the net as Bettinelli rushed out and missed the ball.
Dike doubled Barnsley’s lead with a fine diving header.
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock said: “If we took one of our chances, then we would have won the game. The lonBarnsley’s ger the game went on, you knew they were going to get something.
“I’ve apologised to Jonny Howson because I thought he was absolutely man of the match. He covered every blade of grass and he didn’t deserve to be on the losing side.
“We need to improve the squad and today demonstrated where we need to improve.”