Barnsley

David Flitcroft: 'FA Cup run has helped us'

By Steven Toplis, Reporter | 07 March 2013

Barnsley boss David Flitcroft says that his side's FA Cup run has not hindered their bid to avoid relegation from the Championship.

Barnsley manager David Flitcroft has claimed that his side's FA Cup run has helped them in their battle against relegation from the Championship.

Flitcroft has guided the club to eight wins, two draws and three defeats since taking over from the sacked Keith Hill at the end of December. He has also taken the South Yorkshire outfit into the last eight of the FA Cup, where they face 2011 winners Manchester City on Saturday.

"If we get the level of performance that I expect then it will enhance it and we can keep building," Flitcroft told Press Association Sport. "The league campaign is our bread and butter. It's something we've really committed to and dedicated to and we won't swerve from that.

"We beat MK Dons after a real tough encounter [at Middlesbrough] and then Wolves came to us in a desperate fight and we beat them 2-1, so it's not hindered our league form up until now.

"The only thing that's causing a concern is a pile-up of games really. We've got a game in hand now on Wolves, but you'd rather have three points in the bag."

Barnsley currently sit 22nd in the Championship table, one point from safety.