“DOING a Barnsley” has become part of the vernacular for teams stationed at the wrong end of League One.

Tomorrow’s opponents set the template for the division's ultimate rags-to-riches story three years ago when they raced from bottom spot at the end of November to promotion via play-off glory at Wembley.

Ever since, emulating such a run has been the hope of every side seemingly stuck in the relegation dogfight.

Plymouth almost pulled it off last season when they hauled themselves from the foot of the table to eventually finish seventh.

So, it’s easy to point out modern examples for the likes of a City side who head for Oakwell on the back of four wins from five games.

Connor Wood, whose sweetly-struck first senior goal iced the New Year’s Day victory over Accrington, stopped short of any mention of play-offs.

But the youngster is confidently looking upwards going into the final 20 games that will shape City’s destiny.

Wood said: “The results have spoken volumes. We don’t deserve to be down there with the quality we’ve got in our team.

“There are a lot of games left and I feel that we can make a difference come the end of the season.

“We can climb the table and get to a position that we deserve to be at.

“It would be phenomenal. We’ve just got to keep our foot on the gas and not give any teams a sniff.

“Keep the fitness levels improving and you’ll see us climbing up that table. It’s what the boys, the fans and the club all deserve.”

Since Adam Chicksen’s return from injury in November, Wood has been a spectator for most of the team’s revival. His appearance from the bench last time out when Lewis O’Brien limped off was the 22-year-old’s first for eight games.

“I’ve been itching to get back out there and be involved again,” he added. “Stepping back out on that pitch is what I’ve been dying to do for the past few months.

“We’ve always had a big togetherness within the camp but there is a massive buzz around the place now. Everyone is laughing and smiling.

“It’s a great environment to be in and we’re going into games knowing we can outrun teams because our fitness levels have gone up so much.

“With the intensity we’re playing at, teams can’t handle it – especially up top with the things that Bally (David Ball) and Payney (Jack Payne) are doing at times.

“It’s been good to watch as well. The fans have deserved good performances all season and their support has been massive to give us that extra bit.”

George Miller admitted he headed straight to bed after training as David Hopkin drove up the intensity of the practice sessions. But Wood can notice an extra edge throughout the squad from the punishing fitness work.

He said: “George likes to run so if he’s feeling it, that shows how hard it’s been.

“It’s not enjoyable to do. But when you see it work on the pitch, that makes it so much easier.

“As hard as the training sessions are, it’s just bringing us joy in games.

“Everyone has been putting in the work so when you get called upon you’re ready. We’re on the same level as the 11 who have been playing and I feel we’ve got a lot more to give.

“It gives us confidence to keep climbing the table and see where we get to come the end of the season.”