Barnsley star Donovan Pines has revealed that making his debut at Oakwell on Saturday was a “really surreal experience” as the side came away with all three points to continue their promotion push.
The Tykes came close to a return to the Championship last season, painstakingly missing out in the playoff final with a 123rd-minute goal from Josh Windass to send Sheffield Wednesday to the second tier.
However, Neill Collins’ side are back in contention for promotion and sit six points behind the automatic places with a game in hand on Derby County following a 2-1 win away at Fleetwood Town yesterday afternoon.
Sam Cosgrove opened the scoring for Barnsley early in the first half to hand the lead to the visitors but the hosts weren’t behind for long after Celtic loanee Bosun Lawal equalised for the Cod Army just nine minutes later.
In what was a tense afternoon for both teams, Herbie Kane’s strike right before the hour mark sent the South Yorkshire club back in front and eventually sealed all three points for Barnsley, putting Tuesday’s 1-1 draw away at Shrewsbury Town behind them.
😮💨 There's no stopping Herbie at the moment! pic.twitter.com/AgMcQzeHy9
— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) February 18, 2024
During the game, January signing Pines made his debut, coming off the bench just moments after Kane’s winning goal to replace central defender Jamie McCart. The ex-DC United star, who worked under former Birmingham City and Derby boss Wayne Rooney, helped Collins’ men to see out the victory to open up a four-point gap on fifth-place Peterborough United.
Speaking to club media after the game, the 25-year-old said he was buzzing to make his debut for the club, thanking the fans for their support during the match.
“It was amazing. It was really fun. I’m super, super grateful for the fans and the supporters that came out.
“To my teammates for encouraging me, staying positive, and it was just a really surreal experience. To get my first 30 minutes and to be with the team in this environment and get the three points.”
Writer’s View
Pines has come into an unfamiliar league, one which is far more physical and fast-paced than he was used to in MLS. However, he looked assured on Saturday afternoon and helped keep Fleetwood out to secure the three points.
He looks to have all the attributes that a defender needs to be successful in League One and will undoubtedly become a regular first-team star for Barnsley by the end of the campaign.
Deputy Head of Writing