TWO goals inside 10 minutes from Jon Stead set Town on their way to doubling Barnsley leaving manager Jim Magilton delighted, despite a second half scare.

Derek Davis

TWO goals inside 10 minutes from Jon Stead set Town on their way to doubling Barnsley leaving manager Jim Magilton delighted, despite a second half scare.

Debut-making Daniel Bogdanovic pulled a goal back for Barnsley two minutes after the break but Town showed grit to hang on and move up a place to 10th in the Championship.

The Blues boss said: “It could have been a case of after the Lord Mayor's Show after going to Chelsea on Saturday but it wasn't. We started the game fantastically well and went two goals up. It could have been more.

“We knew Simon Davey would have a word with his players at half time and we knew we would have to face an onslaught in the second.

“We showed our quality in the first half and our grit and character in the second half.”

After being on the wrong end of a 4-1 defeat at Oakwell last year Magilton was delighted to get a win at Barnsley.

He said: “Barnsley away has always been tough so to come here and get all three points is a massive bonus to us.”

Magilton's decision to start with Jon Stead and Kevin Lisbie paid off with the duo combining for the opening two goals.

He said: “Jon Stead justified his selection with two good goals and Kevin Lisbie did very well.”

Magilton emphasised the importance of the squad as they go into the final third of the promotion challenge.

He said: “Everyone wants to play which is important. Subs are massive in the modern game and our bench shows we are going to be strong.

“We have got a bit of momentum and have another massive game on Saturday against Plymouth and want to keep it going.”

Town are unbeaten in the league this year and after wins against Derby, Crystal Palace and now Barnsley have six for the campaign, already more than last season.

Magilton said: “We are very proud of three away wins in a row.”

Town hope to include Argentinean left-winger Luciano Civelli in their squad against Plymouth after he completed his medical and is due to complete his move to Portman Road from Banfield today.