Berry: Barnsley victory was extra motivation ahead of Rovers win

The Hatters had the game on in the changing room prior to their match, as they saw the Tykes cut the gap to just two points, thanks to a stoppage time winner in beating Walsall 1-0.

However, rather than get too down about it, Berry said: “We saw they scored last minute, but that gave us motivation to really put on a show and get a good win.”

Boss Mick Harford continued: “We watched the game, and Walsall were unlucky we thought in terms of chances.

“I said to the players before they went out, ‘it’s happened, you might think you’re on a downer, but all we can do is look after ourselves.’

“We go and play the way we want to play, we play our way, and the players proved they can do that under a little bit of pressure.

“Overall we just asked them to play relaxed football and enjoy themselves, make sure we were solid.

“It was just a magnificent all-round performance and I’m absolutely thrilled for the players.”

With Sunderland not in action, the win saw Town move 10 points in front of the Black Cats, who now have two games in hand.

The Wearsiders are without a league match this weekend too, taking on Portsmouth in the Checkatrade Trophy final, as Berry wants to open up a big gap.

He said: “That’s the key, win our games and then look at them and say ‘go on Sunderland, see what you can do, see if you can catch us.’”