Robins proud of tremendous Tykes

03 February 2010 08:38
The Tykes underlined their play-off pedigree with a stunning success that left the visiting fans chanting "It's just like watching Brazil" as Brazilian Anderson De Silva rifled a brilliant low shot into the net from 25 yards after eight minutes.[LNB]Danny Welbeck equalised for Preston in the 27th minute after a mistake from Barnsley defender Darren Moore but Robins' men hit back in style and ran out emphatic winners.[LNB]They restored their lead four minutes before half-time when Preston full-back Michael Hart diverted Stephen Foster's header into his own net and goals in the final quarter from Andy Gray and debutant substitute Jay Rodriguez sealed a memorable win.[LNB]Robins, whose side leapfrogged Preston in the Championship table, beamed: "I think we could have played anybody in the league and won tonight.[LNB]"I thought we were outstanding from start to finish but we have been threatening it.[LNB]"Since the turn of of the year, the results haven't been what we liked but we have reset the bar with that performance.[LNB]"We're not going to get carried away because I saw us play against Reading on Saturday and I know how bad we were.[LNB]"We're playing Watford at home this weekend and that was my first game in charge.[LNB]"My memories of that match are still raw as we were shocking. But the players deserve every credit for that performance tonight."[LNB]Robins paid tribute to Rodriguez following his arrival from Burnley but he reserved special praise for Gray.[LNB]The former Sheffield United striker led the line superbly, scoring a goal himself and setting up Rodriguez's late tap-in.[LNB]Robins added: "I was pleased for Jay because I said 'go and get yourself a goal', and he just smiled and did it.[LNB]"It was a good start for him.[LNB]"But this result is testament to the players. Andy Gray has been struggling of late, he went to see a specialist but there was nothing wrong and his all-round contribution was outstanding."[LNB]Barnsley outfought and outplayed Preston throughout and the boos that rang out around Deepdale at the interval and again at the final whistle served as a stark reminder of the task facing North End boss Darren Ferguson.[LNB]Ferguson's men had won their previous two matches but they were no match for Barnsley, who on this evidence look the more capable of challenging for a play-off berth.[LNB]Ferguson said: "Fair credit to Barnsley, they played very well. Sometimes you have to hold your hands up.[LNB]"They thoroughly deserved the win.[LNB]"For whatever reason, I don't know if it's psychological and I know it's been a pattern, we just don't start games well.[LNB]"We were sloppy in possession and Barnsley played very well on the night.[LNB]"The goals we conceded tonight was awful.[LNB]"They were poor goals and no matter how you play, you cannot concede four goals, especially at home.[LNB]"We knew they would play football, especially with the players he brought in yesterday in Filipe Teixiera and Jay Rodriguez."[LNB]Ferguson handed a debut to substitute Keith Treacy, adding: "He's a young one with good potential.[LNB]"He did well and we are glad to get him in and Paul Coutts as well, but losing tonight was a blow.[LNB]"We've got a really hard game at Swansea on Saturday and we have to go again."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk