Conor Hourihane hails Barnsley matchwinner David McGoldrick’s professionalism

Barnsley head coach Conor Hourihane admitted matchwinner David McGoldrick probably would not have started the 2-1 win over Blackpool had Davis Keillor-Dunn been fit – and praised the veteran striker’s professionalism.

McGoldrick had opened the scoring for the Reds in the first half but former Barnsley striker Ashley Fletcher levelled in the second half, before the 38-year-old won it in added time.

The result leaves Blackpool outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.

Hourihane said that it was testament to McGoldrick who was called up to the starting 11 late on.

He said: “Davo rang me this morning and said he’s been up all night and was really struggling.

“Didzy, the professional that he is, was more than ready for that opportunity to come around.

“He wasn’t going to start but it’s testament to him – he pops up and scores two goals.”

The Tangerines should have opened the scoring in the first half through Tom Bloxham but he fired straight at Owen Goodman.

The Reds, who had already tested Bailey Peacock-Farrell twice through Reyes Cleary, took the lead in the 27th minute through McGoldrick.

The Blackpool goalkeeper misplaced his pass straight to McGoldrick who curled the ball into an empty net from 30 yards out.

But it was the ex-Red Fletcher who levelled the game with 16 minutes to go after he played a one-two with George Honeyman and fired home in front of the travelling fans.

Not to be outdone, McGoldrick scored his second of the game in the third minute of added on time – finishing off a wonderful counter-attack led by Patrick Kelly.

Hourihane said his side would have gone on to lose this game earlier this season.

“I don’t think we’ve probably had a late winner like that for a while and you can’t beat them.

“I think earlier in the season, maybe we go under there and we end up losing 2-1 or 3-1.”

Blackpool boss Ian Evatt said his side beat themselves.

“There is no way we should ever come away here with nothing,” he said.

“We should win, and win comfortably.

“It really hurts because I don’t think we deserve that.

“I think after a tough week the performance was pretty good.

“To come away with nothing really hurts and stings.”

The result leaves Blackpool outside of the relegation zone on goal difference.

“We worked so hard to get ourselves out of trouble and now we’re back amongst it again and we have to be humble enough to accept that.

“There’s 20 games left and we’re in a relegation fight.

“That’s the bottom line.”