Barnsley's season could end at around 9.30pm on Monday night or it could continue for just under 2 more weeks.
A catastrophic mistake from left-back Paul Heckingbottom five minutes from the end of what had been a cracking and end-end Yorkshire Derby saw Gary Taylor-Fletcher make it 3 in 3 against The Reds this season and put Huddersfield within a clean sheet of going through to the Millennium Stadium on May 27th.
Barnsley were easily off the pace and slightly nervy in the first 25 minutes and nobody could have complained of injustice if Peter Jackson's Terriers had gone in at the break 3 or 4-1 up.
Taylor-Fletcher somehow headed over after just 2 minutes whilst Danny Schofield smacked the outside of Colgan's post after 8 minutes and the majority of the Season's best yet still disappointing crowd of 16,127 feared the worst.
Schofield then got clear again after 35 minutes and slipped the ball through Colgan's legs. Colgan's thigh got the merest touch to the ball however and it diverted it away from goal for Heckingbottom to clear.
For all Huddersfield's pressure and chances, it was Barnsley who were presented with one of those “Can't miss in the Play-Off” chances.
Martin McIntosh was caught in possession on the edge of his own area and Martin Devaney disposessed him but somehow lifted the ball over the stranded Paul Rachubka and onto the top of the bar
The second half belonged to The Reds though and although neither team created too many chances Barnsley dominated possession.
Devaney went on one of his mesmerising runs after 63 minutes but his cross-shot flew inches wide of the far post whilst Danny Nardiello had the best chance 5 minutes later.
Marc Richards nodded on a long ball for Nardiello who's first time lob was somehow turned over by Rachubka. Great effort great save.
Bizarrely though Andy Ritchie replaced both Nardiello and Richards with Tommy Wright and the fit again Paul Hayes and Barnsley's attacking force went with them.
On 79minutes Colgan made a truly world class save as McIntosh headed a Schofield corner towards the far corner from the edge of the six yard area. It looked a certain goal until somehow Colgan changed direction to palm it away off the line.
It now looked as though it wasn't going to be any teams day until Barnsley again were handed a big slice of bad luck.
The much hated but deeply respected Andy Booth put it a poor low left wing cross that Colgan looked to take until Heckingbottom barged his way in and knocked the ball clean out of Colgan's arms.
Heckingbottom desperately flung himself at the ball to clear but his clearance bounced off the legs of Taylor-Fletcher (not far off his goal at the Galpharm) and it just trickled over the line before Colgan palmed it away.
As the saying goes “It's only Half-Time” lets hope that 4,000 fans are celebrating at the end of the “second half”.
Great these play-offs hey…..
Player Ratings:
Nick Colgan: Produced one world class save from McIntosh and was desperately unlucky not to keep his clean sheet. 7
Bobby Hassell: Back at right-back after the return of skipper Paul Reid and was an absolute rock! Nothing fazes or beats this lad. 8
Paul Reid: Looked shaky early on but grew in stature and confidence as the game wore on. 7
Antony Kay: Solid as ever, struggled slightly with Booth in air but he got the better of him at the Galpharm last time out….7
Paul Heckingbottom: Was ripped to shreds at Walsall and his awful mistake could well prove to have handed Huddersfield the crucial goal, yet to impress me. 5
Martin Devaney: Barnsley's biggest threat going forward and MUST continue this form on Monday night to give The Reds a chance. 8
Stephen McPhail: Slightly quieter than usual but always a big threat when on the ball. Another key player for Monday. 7
Brian Howard: Passionate and committed as he is every game. Will never stop trying. 7
Chris Shuker: Woefully out-of form. He gives 100% every game but his totally out of form and needs dropping. 4
Marc Richards: Another solid display following on from last weekend but may have come too little too late. That is unless he performs like he did the last time a Barnsley away game was shown on SKY….Subbed.6
Daniel Nardiello: Again largely anonymous but always looked like he had a goal in him. Denied by one fabulous save from Rachubka and his departure handed the initiative back to Huddersfield. Subbed. 6
Substitutes:
Tommy Wright (for Richards 72) Unimpressive as usual. 6
Paul Hayes (for Nardiello 72) Failed to stamp his impression on the game. 6
Sponsors Man of the Match: Martin Devaney.
Barnsley Boy's Man of the Match: Devaney gets a good shout but for me Bobby Hassell was outstanding.
Huddersfield's Star: Booth impressed as usual but Danny Schofield ran the show.
Coca Cola League One Play-Off Semi Final Results Thursday 11th May 2006.
Barnsley 0-1 Huddersfield
Swansea 1-1 Brentford
Next Up:
On The Road:
Coca Cola League One Play-Off Semi Final Second Leg Huddersfield Town v Barnsley Monday 15th May 2006 Kick-Off 7:45pm
Tickets:
SOLD OUT!!!!!!
Tickets: TBC
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