Barnsley 2-0 Nottingham Forest

Barnsley produced their best display of the season to defeat relegated Nottingham Forest at Oakwell.

Passion, commitment and skill were all on show as everybody in a red shirt gave 100%.

This was shown evidently in the second goal converted in first half stoppage time by Chris Shuker. The football leading up to the goal was simply breath taking.

It makes you wonder how we can play so well at home but yet get hammered on our travels.

The defence was extremely solid and even Nick Colgan claimed a few crosses.

To be fair for the first 20-25 minutes Forest looked a good team but were severely weakened when David Johnson went off after only 10 minutes.

Kris Commons also looks a star ( although I didn’t realise he was playing until the second half) Eugene Dadi was laughably poor while Petr Cech look-alike Rune Pedersen in the Forest goal looked extremely uncomfortable and was somewhat at fault for the opener. ( I think Chelsea got the right one)

But let's not take anything away from another excellent home performance.

In poor conditions the Reds were a little slow to get started and Forest took control. Nick Colgan pulled off a stunning save from Scott Dobie ( shades of Dudek's breath taker from Shevchenko in the dying minutes of extra time).

Towards the half hour mark though The Reds started to get a foothold of their own and created some good chances. Jacob Burns saw a good effort deflected for a corner before he had to change shirts due to blood being splattered on his original one.

The opener finally came after 41 minutes. Barry Conlon who had been disgracefully booed by a small minority of fans when his name was read out in the team sheet found himself in the right place at the right time.

Martin Devaney, who had an effective game swung in a cross that keeper Pedersen fumbled, Shuker struck, Pedersen fumbled again and Conlon prodded over the line from 6 yards. As any striker struggling for confidence will tell you, they'll take them however they come and he was mobbed by his delighted team-mates as if he had just scored the winner in the FA Cup final.

The Oakwel faithful would have accepted 1-0 at half-time, but oh no in stoppage time came a move of real quality.

Devaney was again involved as he collected the ball on the left before slipping it to Shuker on the edge of the area, he backheeled it to Hayes, who then first laid it back off to the full speed Shuker to lash it past pedersen with his weaker left foot. Breath-taking. Devaney then led the "EASY" chants around the ground. Shuker's effort was hit with some ferocity as the corner of the net had to be repaired after half time.

For the second half Barnsley knew it would be backs-to-the-wall but Carbon, Reid, Austin and Williams didn't and wouldn't give an inch.

Dadi sent a few close range headers wide whilst Forest's best chance came via the increasingly influential Commons, who’s rocket from 30 yards cannoned of the post to startle Colgan.

The Reds still had chances to confirm their lead as Shuker ran through but his cut back went behind both Nardiello and Conlon.

Marc Richards came on for his first team debut with 9 minutes remaining and although he showed some good touches, he didn't have time to make an impression.

All in all a wonderful performance in front of a strong crowd, but it needs to be repeated on the road- starting with the trip to Gillingham in 3 days time.

Today though was indeed Play-off form if not more.

Player Ratings:
Nick Colgan: Pulled off a stunning save from Dobie early on and looked a lot more confident today. 7

Robbie Williams: Excellent display from young Robbie today didn't give an inch and surprisingly with his height was awesome in the air: 8

Paul Reid: Captain Fantastic again gave 100% and was neat and tidy. 7

Matt Carbon: Awesome. No other words needed. ( Disgracefully booked due to Dadi play-acting) 9

Neil Austin: On occasions did get skinned by Commons but by the end had the winger in his pocket. 7

Chris Shuker: Showed some of last seasons form at last and superbly finished off the best move of the match for the second goal. More of the same please Shukes. 7

Jacob Burns: The heartbeat of the midfield, really dug in and even bled for the cause. Never gave the Forest midfield a second on the ball. Subbed. Booked. 8

Antony Kay: Filling McPhail's shoes is never easy but he certainly gave it his best shot. Even got a lovely pirouette to come off near the end. Booked. 7

Martin Devaney: Looked a lot fitter than on his debut and has got some real pace. Involved in both goals and even started off an "EASY" chant after Shuker's goal. 7

Paul Hayes: Again magnificent up front, deserves a goal for all his hard work. Lovely lay-off to Shuker for the second goal. Subbed. 8

Barry Conlon: It may have only been a tap-in but he will be overjoyed with his goal. Disgracefully booed by a small section when his name was read out. Gave his all today and even got a few free-kicks at last. Subbed. 7
Man of The Match: Could have been a host of players but Matt Carbon deserves it the most.

Man of the Match: Matt Carbon