Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane ‘went ballistic’ at half-time of Wigan draw

Barnsley boss Conor Hourihane admitted he read the riot act to his players at half-time, which brought about a second-half revival and a 1-1 draw at Wigan.

The Latics had only a solitary Dara Costelloe goal on six minutes to show for almost 45 minutes of dominance.

And the Tykes took full advantage by dominating the second period and deservedly levelling through Adam Phillips with 21 minutes to go.

“We were absolutely awful in the first half and I went ballistic at half-time,” said Hourihane.

“They get a lot of detail and clarity but it’s all nonsense if the players don’t want to run around and show heart and desire. At least in the second half they had a bit of motivation to run around.

“It’s a bit quiet in this stadium. But that shouldn’t matter whether it’s a small crowd or big crowd. You should still have that motivation to want to be a professional footballer every single day.

“I let them know that at half-time and second half they showed they cared which is pleasing.

“The Barnsley fans want to see a team who work, run and have intensity. That was a proper 45 minutes but it shouldn’t take me going ballistic.

“I can go to bed tonight and sleep a little bit because at least I have a group who showed me they care a little bit.”

Wigan chief Ryan Lowe acknowledged it was two points that had slipped away.

He said: “It was a game of two halves I think, definitely. We were very good in the first half, and on another day we could have gone in two up, maybe even three.

“That would have made it harder for Barnsley to come back, but we know they’re a good team, with good players, and well coached.

“They made two changes at half-time and caused us a few problems in the second half. We then had to change to get a foothold back in the game, and it got a bit hectic.

“Overall I was very pleased with the first half, and pleased with elements of the second half, although I was disappointed with their goal.

“We know what we are, we know where we are, we’ve got some good players – can we just be a bit more ruthless that will help us pick up more points?”

Both managers had the same view of Barnsley skipper Luca Connell’s 84th-minute red card for kicking out at Wigan defender Will Aimson.

Hourihane said: “He’s pretty quiet. He came up to me and apologised. He will know he made a mistake and one he will have to suffer from.”

Lowe added: “It’s the heat of the moment, but you can’t stud someone in the midriff and not get a red card.”