BARNSLEY boss Lee Johnson praised his young side's character in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Chesterfield.
In what was dubbed as a "cup final" in the run-up to the crucial clash, sixth-placed Chesterfield took the lead through Jay O'Shea in the 26th minute before Sam Winnall's well-taken effort after the hour mark earned the home side a deserved point.
Although the Reds' play-off hopes now look very slim with four games to go, their seven-point deficit could still be pegged back if they win at relegation-threatened Notts County tomorrow evening.
Their remaining games against outside play-off hopefuls Peterborough and Bradford follow, before Rochdale visit Oakwell in the final game of the League One campaign on May 3.
Johnson, whose side are now without a win in six, said: "People will forgive as long as you're failing bold and trying to do things. They came out second half and gave it a right go.
"They showed a bit of character there, considering it's a young group. We pegged a very good side back to the edge of their 18-yard box for the majority of the second half."
