Conor Hourihane admits fan protest affected Barnsley despite win against Exeter

Barnsley supporters threw tennis balls on to the pitch during the first half

Conor Hourihane's Barnsley beat Exeter 2-1, moving up to 12th in League One. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane admitted the fan protest against the club’s ownership “didn’t help” his side during their 2-1 win against Exeter.

David McGoldrick and Vimal Yoganathan put the hosts 2-0 up before the game was stopped after home fans threw tennis balls on to the pitch midway through the first half.

Jayden Wareham’s 16th goal of the season with 15 minutes to play turned out to be just a consolation.

On the protest, Corkman Hourihane said: “I did think it affected us a little bit, I‘ve got to be honest. We were in our stride.

“We were winning 2-0 – I get fans can be frustrated and they’ve got their opinion, and they’re valid to that, but in that moment I don’t think it helped the team.

“I want to win as many games as I can and have that connection with the fans.

“But in that moment, it probably just didn’t help us, which is a little bit disappointing.

“But I get that they want to voice it as well, and they’re fully entitled to it.” 

McGoldrick opened the scoring for the hosts after eight minutes, calmly slotting past Joe Whitworth in the Exeter goal.

He was played through by Reyes Cleary, who registered his 12th assist of the Sky Bet League One season.

It was McGoldrick who turned provider for Barnsley’s second, crossing in for Yoganathan to head home.

The game was halted by referee Ross Joyce midway through the first half after a portion of the home fans threw tennis balls on to the pitch in protest against their owners.

The second half lacked many clearcut chances, but Wareham ensured a nervy last 15 minutes for the hosts as he pulled one back from inside the area.

Barnsley held on for a valuable three points which moved them up to 12th.

Hourihane added: “We were all really, really disappointed after Tuesday (loss to Wycombe).

“We’ve had in-depth discussions around what went wrong, how can we get better.

“I asked the lads to put in a performance that ultimately just wins.

“We did that today so I’m really pleased for everyone.” 

It was Exeter boss Matt Taylor’s second game in the dugout since returning to the club and, despite the defeat, praised his team’s performance.

He said: “I’m immensely proud in terms of that could have gone a different way – given we were 2-0 down after 15 minutes.

“We started the game really brightly for four or five minutes, and then (we concede from) two long balls into our back line.

“On another day, we could have got a point. I don’t want that 10-minute period to define today. It’s still a positive.”