TEDIC KEEPS HOPE ALIVE FOR TYKES

MICHAEL Duff praised the performance of Slobodan Tedic as his Barnsley side defeated Oxford to keep their hopes of a top-two finish alive.

- John Morris

Tedic scored the goals either side of the interval with Adam Phillips providing the assist on both occasions.

The Reds have now won nine-successive home matches while Oxford are only outside the relegation zone on goal difference and are without a win in 17 games.

Duff said: “He’s been excellent, we’ve watched him grow during the season.

“He’s definitely a different animal now compared to when he first came here.

“He came back from injury physically miles better. Manchester City don’t pay three million euros for someone they don’t think is very good.”

The visitors forced Harry Isted into action in the 28th minute when Cameron Brannagan struck a free kick from the edge of the box, but the Barnsley stopper tipped it round a post.