December 2006
Simon Davey's good run as caretaker manager continued as The Reds entered the final year of an extraordinary year. And the first task was a trip to Elland Road to face fellow strugglers and local rivals Leeds United.
Daniel Nardiello produced a one man show but it was only enough to earn a point in a 2-2, with all 4 goals coming in the first half.
Nardiello got the ball rolling after just 3 minutes as he nipped beyond 2 Leeds defenders before slipping the ball past Graham Stack.
Leeds were level though within 5 minutes as Nick Colgan got impeded by his own defence and Tresor Kandol headed home.
Nardiello made it 2-1 on 37 minutes with an even better goal as Austin long ball released the striker and he cut in from the by-line, past 2 defenders again and fired into the far corner.
Once again though The Reds couldn't keep hold of the lead as Leeds equalised right on half-time as Ugo Ehiogu powered home a header.
The SKY Cameras were at Oakwell next for a tough looking game against promotion chasing West Bromwich Albion.
And despite West Brom dominating most of the game, Barnsley came away with a share of the spoils.
A fantastic first time effort from Wales international Jason Koumas put West Brom in front on 30 minutes but after confusion in the WBA area just 6 minutes later, Paul Hayes was able to tap home.
Davey suffered his first defeat in charge at the hands of fellow strugglers Leicester City.
In an evenly matched game, Leicester took the lead right on half time through Elvis Hammond and then secured the spoils through young hotshot Levi Porter on 52.
More away day misery arrived on the final Saturday before Christmas at Loftus Road as QPR sneaked a 1-0 win.
Nick Colgan allowed Martin Rowlands effort to sneak through his body (15) and it was then left to Colgan to make outstanding saves to keep the score down!
Boxing Day brought better look with a heroic defensive performance bringing a 1-0 home win over Burnley. It was the first win and clean sheet for 2 days short of a month.
A solo effort from Martin Devaney (30) was enough to grab a vital 3 points despite a strong Burnley fight back. Burnley may even have won a penalty after debutant Robert Atkinson handballed in the area but for once luck went The Reds way.
All the optimism over changing luck and results evaporated stunningly just 4days later as Barnsley ended 2006 with a horrific 3-0 home defeat against, of all teams, Sheffield Wednesday with all goals stemming from Barnsley mistakes.
Firstly on 11 minutes, Neil Austin failed to pick up Wayne Andrews and the man who grabbed Coventry 3 points at Oakwell back in October, rifled Wednesday ahead.
It became 2-0 on the hour when Robbie Williams gave the ball away to Marcus Tudgay in the centre of midfield and he crossed for Chris Brunt to gleefully ram home.
Many Reds fans thought it couldn't get worse… but it did 8 minutes later when Antony Kay dithered on the ball on the edge of his own area and was promptly robbed by Steve MacLean who slipped the ball past Colgan.
A horrible way to end a fantastic year!!
December Record: W:1 D:2 L: 3
Record 30/12/06
W:7 D:5 L:14 F:29 A:45 GD: -16 Points: 26 Pos: 21st