1. Footymad
  2. Tykes Mad
  3. Tykes Latest
  4. Tykes News

Poor defending costs the Reds

Last updated : 16 August 2004 By Mick Bastow

Another 10000+ crowd saw Barnsley slip to their first defeat of the season. But for poor defending, it could easily have been a high scoring victory for the Reds.

Hart made just the one change to the side which beat Bristol City, bringing in Kay for Wroe, who moved to the subs bench in place of Fola Whatisname.

Barnsley set off well, scoring in the 2nd minute, Boulding stabbing home after a second attempt, but after that it all went downhill fast. Luton soon equalised after Howard headed in,with Colgan stranded after missing his attempted clearance (although it did look like he was fouled). Luton then went on to take the lead further in the 43rd minute with Vine slotting in after stealing past Vaughan. It got worse on 45 minutes when substitute Brkovic headed in from a Robinson free kick.


Barnsley came out for the second half, with Nardiello replacing Kay. Boulding creating a chance for Nardiello immediately, firing across the face of goal, but neither Nardiello on Conlon could convert. Luton then increased their lead when Robinson capitalised on poor defending by both Hassell and Carbon to fire in a low shot past Colgon.


The Reds pulled a goal back on the 73rd minute after a neat free kick saw Mcphail fire past Beresford to spark a frantic finish to the game, which saw Nardiello strike the bar, and Beresford pull off the save of the match to palm away a fierce volley from Vaughan. The Reds got a consolation goal 2 minutes from time, when Boulding fired in after Conlon stole in to allowing Boulding an easy finish.

The final whistle brought the Reds the first defeat of the campaign, and whilst it is still early days there are a few alarm bells ringing already. Mcphail has now played 3 games and been booked in all 3 (not allowing for injuries he is going to miss about a quarter if the season at this rate), and whilst there is no disputing his class, he is just not in the game enough, a sentiment that could be said for all our midfield; Kay especially was non existent. The 1 upfront and 2 supporting strikers/midfielders is bringing goals (Boulding especially looking impressive), but there is two much of a gap between the midfield and attack. Hopefully this is just a blip, players still getting used to each other etc, lets hope that after ten games we are still not talking about the same problems.