Another 1-0 lead thrown away. Another 2 points surrendered. Another Draw. Another Season of Underachievement.
Four Sentences that define Barnsley Football Club.
As injured stars Neil Austin and Barry Conlon paraded next seasons kit before the game today there was a sense of optimism around Oakwell. A new chairman A new manager A new beginning.
But as the Reds labored to yet another draw against one of the League's strugglers, you sensed that even more changes are required to ensure Barnsley will make a push towards the top six come August.
Questions need to be answered:
Why is Antony Kay (who is bad enough as it is this season) placed on the left wing where he is incredibly uncomfortable and isn’t the mobile person needed to scamper up and down the flanks.
Why do we only seem to play well when we change to three at the back and if this a good formula why don’t we start with it instead of changing when we are a goal behind and with only 15mins left.
Why do we play well until we go 1-0 up and then suddenly stop.
Twice in successive games we have taken the lead before falling behind and had to scramble a draw.
THREE times in the last FOUR games we have surrendered comfortable leads.
Finally (for my moans anyway) Do we have a midfield? Most of the time the ball is cleared from our defence to the opposition defence. There is no midfield waiting for the ball, running for the ball, even though arguably the best passer of the ball in this division Stephen McPhail is stood there incredibly not being utilized.
When he had the ball today he looked like he would do something. He looked dangerous and creative, but he is used far too sparsely.
An early lead seemed to put the Reds in a jovial mood as Kay headed down a Reid freekick for Simon Johnson to head his first goal for the club after just six minutes.
As usual the Reds fell asleep though and Oldham contrived to miss some outrageous chances with Chopra and Burns somehow failing to find the net for the Reds.
Oldham inevitably leveled just seconds after Pogliacomi pulled off a great save to deny the clean through Chopra.
Marc Tierney floated in a cross that Flinders decided to come for before changing his mind leaving him in no mans land and Killen headed in despite the best efforts of the once again excellent Bobby Hassell.
The second had to come though with the only surprise being it took until the 66th minute. A freekick given the wrong way by an extremely poor referee
Kilkenny (doesn’t that just remind you of South Park) floated it in, Killen headed it down and of all people Luke Beckett was stood on the line to tap in.
Familiar story?
The Reds took off Tonge and sent on Jarman whilst switching to three at the back and within 3 minutes it paid dividends although in extremely fortuitous circumstances.
Simon Johnson, 35yards, out sent the ball into the area catching Pogliacomi off guard and it soared straight into the net. Whether he meant it or not is extremely debatable but it was still a fantastic effort.
Barnsley seemed revved up after the goal but neither side could force the issue with the returning Betsy hitting a shot that Flinders turned over, the only chance of note.
So the season is almost at it's end with even the Player Of The Year surely a formality.
Roll on August!
Scott Flinders: Caught in two minds for Oldham’s first but looked increasingly assured on crosses. 6
Dale Tonge: Again impressed and should be first choice right back next season. Subbed. 7
Bobby Hassell: Finally recognized as the sponsors Man Of The Match. A towering presence and made a vital block in the first half. If only he had performed like this all season he would be a very good runner for Player Of The Year Subbed. 8
Paul Reid: Good to see him back. Solid if unspectacular. Subbed 7
Robbie Williams. Gets better with every game. Looks assured in defence and even gets forward when possible. 7
Chris Shuker: Missed most of training this week with flu, and it showed. Showed flashes of his usual skill but unfortunately wasn’t his best. 6
Jacob Burns: Shook off his nightmare against Wrexham and again gave 100%. Didn't seem to tire like usual, which is a major plus point. 7
Stephen McPhail: Another good game for the Irish midfielder and looked like Premiership class. Doesn’t receive the ball as much as he should though. 8
Antony Kay: Can’t be kept on the left wing much longer as he gave the ball away far too often. Looked better when switched to centre back at the beginning of the second half after the mysterious withdrawal of Reid. 6
Simon Johnson: Got his first goals for the club and seemed lively. Tended to run into blind alleys a few times but was always available. 7
Michael Chopra: Again blighted by the flu bug so not at his best. Should have buried what was his only real chance in the first half. 6
Subs
Nicky Wroe (for Reid 45) Surprise introduction at the break for Paul Reid. Couldn’t really get involved. 6
Nathan Jarman (for Tonge 77) Showed some good touches and went up for the headers. Almost got clean through at the end. 6
Matt Carbon (for Hassell 90) A brief run out for injury plagued Carbon. Probably just so Hassell could get his deserved ovation. 5
Man Of The Match: Bobby Hassell: Once again magnificent!