Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane claims Reyes Cleary’s 60-yard goal was ‘unique’

Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane said Reyes Cleary’s sensational goal from inside his own half was “unique” as his side earned a 2-2 draw against Bradford.

The Barnsley winger scored from 60 yards as the visitors twice came from behind in a thrilling clash at Valley Parade.

Hourihane said: “The whole place stood still to wait to see what happened. It was unique.

“Everyone was thinking: ‘Is it going in or not?’. We all went silent waiting for the outcome. Thankfully it went in.

“Credit to Reyes. He’s been a breath of fresh air in the past couple of weeks.

“He’s looked sharp and that’s two in two for him. He looks electric and a threat.

“We needed that little bit more pace at the top of the pitch and he’s taken that chance with both hands.”

Antoni Sarcevic gave Bradford an early lead in the Yorkshire derby but Cleary levelled after spotting home keeper Sam Walker off his line and beating him from 60 yards.

Stephen Humphrys put the Bantams back in front against his former club but again Barnsley responded through substitute Patrick Kelly.

Hourihane added: “It was end to end and both teams did enough to win at certain stages.

“I said to the lads at half-time that they had to take the ball and play with more courage. There was more space than what you think and for the first 20-25 minutes of the second half, they were outstanding.

“I’m so proud of them. The lads have got to believe they are such a good team when they put their focus and their minds to it. That’s got to be a big message to the players.”

Both sides hit the woodwork as Bradford, who had 25 efforts at goal, failed to win at home for the first time this season – and missed the chance to go top.

Manager Graham Alexander said: “There’s not much anyone can do about the first goal. I said to Sam not to worry about it because that was world class.

“If anyone scores a goal like that at any level, it’s just pure quality.

“It was a goal out of the blue because we looked pretty secure up to that point. Sometimes you’ve got to hold your hand up.

“It was a proper derby. Both teams were really competitive and the fans would have seen a really good game of football with lots of action and chances to score – a lot from us.

“Being in the lead twice and with the amount of chances we created, we’re a bit frustrated we didn’t win the game. But you have to give Barnsley credit for coming back and then blocking shots throughout.

“I loved the attitude of our players. We were pegged back twice but there were no periods of flatness.

“We keep going and going and are relentless on that side of it.”