Barnsley interim manager Martin Devaney admits the Wanderers’ third goal “hurt” but says they must “attack” the second match.
The Tykes were defeated 3–1 at Oakwell. Dion Charles scored twice before halftime, before Sam Cosgrove equalised. Randell Williams sealed the victory at the last second with a direct corner kick.
“I thought we started well,” Devaney stated after the final whistle. “The goal was frustrating; clearly, we had Coley (Devante Cole) off the pitch, so we needed to manage it a little better.
“In the second half, I believed we had some stretches where we were hoping to score, but then there was a mistake, which can happen.
“At 2-0, we made changes that influenced the game. We get the goal, the momentum shifts, and we had two nice chances with Phillo (Adam Phillips), but the keeper made a great stop.
“The third goal really damaged us. I thought it was a foul on Sam (Cosgrove) on the edge of the box, which resulted in the corner.
“All season, set-pieces have let us down, particularly defending set-pieces. It may be a foul on the keeper, but that is what it is.
“We need to stay positive and pick ourselves up. Stranger things have happened, and we’ll play again on Tuesday. We’ll assault the game, and if we score the first goal, anything can happen.”
Despite the outcome, Devaney saw some positives heading into the second leg at the Toughsheet Community Stadium on Tuesday night.
“Bolton are a good side, they have some really good individuals who can hurt you,” he said. “I believe we limited them to a few solid opportunities.
“We had some extended moments in the game where we were on top and attempting to create. It wasn’t free-flowing, shot after shot, but we were still investigating.
“We will dust ourselves off, reflect, look at the game and pick a team to go and try to win on Tuesday.”
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