Humes rant sparks win

Colchester manager Tony Humes revealed some strong half-time words helped inspire his side to a vital 3-1 win over Barnsley.

The U's trailed at the break but roared back in the second half, scoring three times to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season and move to within two points of safety. Humes said: "There was a bit of passion in the dressing at half-time between players and staff, just about the importance of it. "At times, occasions like this get to them and they're a bit cagey. "But in the second half they went out and played and we utilised the width where we're dangerous and getting the ball to Gavin Massey and Jacob Murphy. "Gavin got a goal and got two assists and Jacob scored too and they're the players who will win us games. "The way the players approached the second half showed the importance of the game. "We were a bit cagey and tense in the first half and we just needed to free ourselves off a little bit and give it a go. "Barnsley were the best side in the first half, but we were on the front foot in the second half and I thought that we dominated after that." Barnsley boss Lee Johnson felt his side should not have lost the game. He said: "I thought that we were excellent in the first half - we were very, very good. "We were in control and we had numerous opportunities and we looked dangerous from corners and free-kicks. "We should have had a penalty for a foul on Conor Hourihane and I'm disappointed we didn't come in (at half-time) 2-0 up. "We said at half-time we wanted more of the same from the lads but I thought we came out a little bit sloppy and I'm disappointed with the group for that. "We should never have let them get up a head of steam and we should have won that game - my players should be very disappointed with the outcome. "The goal that Sam Winnall scored was 100 per cent on side - we've seen it and he was half a yard onside and it was another poor officiating decision that has cost us - it was very disappointing." Colchester goalkeeper Sam Walker palmed over Mason Holgate's cross early on before Barnsley went ahead five minutes before half-time when George Waring converted Hourihane's curling free-kick from close range. Reds keeper Adam Davies denied Chris Porter early in the second half, before Colchester equalised just after the hour-mark when Massey stabbed home Murphy's cross at the far post. Murphy headed home Massey's delivery with 10 minutes remaining to give the U's the lead. And George Moncur slotted in Massey's pass with four minutes left to complete Colchester's win.