Lee Johnson reflects on bittersweet Everton defeat

Lee Johnson has paid tribute to his Barnsley troops for their spirited display in Wednesday's 5-3 defeat to Everton in the second round of the League Cup.

The League One side were 12 minutes away from eliminating their top-flight counterparts before Romelu Lukaku levelled to make it 3-3 and force extra time at Oakwell last night.

Marc Roberts and another from Lukaku helped Everton over the line, but despite admitting to a hint of disappointment, Johnson - whose side boasted a 2-0 half-time lead - cannot fault the Reds' overall effort.

"Whatever the score we keep going. That's what I'm trying to create at the club," he told Barnsley's official website.

"We got exposed to their quality, not our poor play. I'm so proud of the players and everyone associated with Barnsley Football Club today.

"I am disappointed not to finish the tie winning given the position we were in, but the subs they made had a huge effect. I asked the players to enhance our reputation and everyone knows we did that today."

Sam Winnall and Marley Watkins fired the hosts ahead at the break, before Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith struck within 15 minutes of the restart.

Arsenal starlet Dan Crowley re-established the lead on the hour mark, but it was not enough to down the Premier League side, who face Reading away in the third round.