Ritchie praises Tykes character

Ritchie led Barnsley to fifth in League One to book a play-off berth

Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie hailed his side's spirit after their win on penalties in the League One play-off final to secure a Championship place.

Ritchie said: "The players were absolutely magnificent and they deserve a great deal of credit.

"And the crowd were also absolutely superb and the character of the players showed through.

"We always felt that we could get a goal back when we were 2-1 down and at half-time we got them to focus."

Interview: Barnsley manager Andy Ritchie

Barnsley went 2-1 down after an error by keeper Nick Colgan but Daniel Nardiello equalised to send the tie into extra-time and then penalties.

"We were under the cosh at the end and one or two of the players falling down with cramp and a few had injuries as well," added Ritchie.

"They were a bit quiet at half-time which worried me a little bit but it's absolutely tremendous. I can't put it into words."

Colgan saved Alan Tate's penalty for Swansea to secure victory for Barnsley.

And he said: "I wanted the roof to open up and take me up after my mistake. But that's the nature of goalkeeping, one minute you are the villain and the next you are a hero.

"If we'd lost 2-1 - no matter what has happened during the season - I would have been remembered for that reason."