Exeter manager Gary Caldwell was delighted with his side’s character in their 2-1 win at Barnsley.
Josh Magennis scored a late winner to help the Grecians move up to 15th in Sky Bet League One. An early goal from Ryan Trevitt had given them the lead but Stephen Humphrys levelled in the second half before Magennis secured all three points for the visitors.
Caldwell said: “The players defended the box brilliantly and we had to show that character.
“As the game wore on, I thought we looked a real threat when we got the ball forward, and Josh [Magennis] comes up with a huge goal for us and it’s a massive three points.
“I think he’s an outstanding footballer [Ryan Trevitt]. We were thrilled to have him back in January and it took him a few games to regain his match fitness. However, since then, I think he has been outstanding.”
There was confusion before half-time as Exeter appeared to have doubled their lead through Caleb Watts following a set piece. However, the effort was ruled out for an apparent foul in the build-up.
When asked about that incident, Caldwell responded with: “No comment.”
The Scot continued his praise of his side’s resolve when defending in the final moments, saying: “I didn’t feel like they were going to score; they didn’t create any chances.
“The character to come back and win it at a difficult stadium is incredible.”
Barnsley interim head coach Conor Hourihane was left disappointed with the manner in which the game ended, saying: “It was a similar scenario to the game against Cambridge. We gave a poor goal away to start the game off, and they went into a mid-to-low block.
“I thought the second half we looked decent and then you go back to the error [which led to Magennis’ winner] and it has been the story of our season.
“There’s no excuse for that and I’ve let the lads know that. It’s been killing them in terms of results in my time and for the whole season as well.”
Hourihane was keen not to dwell on the mistake that led to Exeter’s winning goal, saying: “It’s not for me to pinpoint him [Mael de Gevigney] out. He’s been brilliant for the club, very consistent.
“It’s been a tough week for him in terms of the two goals but he’s got to learn from it and take it on his shoulders and take whatever comes his way.”
Hourihane continues to be frustrated by the results during his tenure, as he awaits a win after four games in charge.
He said: “I’m pulling my hair out. Over my four games, two draws and two losses, it’s been disappointing in terms of results.
“To lose on that goal is so frustrating. That costs you games, simple errors like that.”
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