Martin Devaney rued ‘three sloppy goals’ in Barnsley’s 3-1 home defeat to Bolton Wanderers in the first leg of the League One play-off semi-finals but says there is ‘all to play for’ going into the second leg in midweek.
The first goal came as Devante Cole was off the pitch having been injured, before a good move down Bolton’s right, and the second was a penalty conceded by Liam Roberts after a disastrous back header by Jordan Williams. Sam Cosgrove pulled one back and Barnsley came close to levelling but Randell Willliams netted direct from a corner.
Devaney said: “They are three sloppy goals.
“I thought we started the better. Coley is off the pitch, it’s game management, we’re down to ten men. We’re a young side and we’ve got to manage those situations better.
“Jordan gives the penalty away with a header. Jordan and Robbo have been really good this season. Those things happen. Jordan will be disappointed but he’s been good.
“Once we got back in the game at 2-1 I thought it was only going to be us to score the next goal.
“We’re just really disappointed with the corner. It’s hard to take.
“I felt there was a foul on Sam just before the corner but it’s again a poor set piece where individuals have to do their jobs. I think was a foul on Roberts as well.”
The Reds now visit Bolton on Tuesday. Devaney said: “It’s half-time. You saw the play-offs last season, what other teams did from 4-0 down. It’s still all to play for. I said to them. Heads up, chests out. We go again. If we get that early goal we can make it a hell of a game.”
Devaney’s substitutes made a big difference as Conor Grant assisted Cosgrove.
“That’s what you want with your substitutions, to affect the game. It’s a good ball and great finish. They created that momentum for us. The atmosphere changed and the ‘keeper has pulled off two good saves from (Adam) Phillips.”
It was put to Devaney that Barnsley created no real chances before scoring on 75 minutes. He said: “Neither did they. It was one of those games. We both defended really well at times.”
