Yes that does say terrific rearguard display. A defence that had shipped more goals than ANY other team in the Football League in the first 7 games earned Barnsley their first clean sheet of the season and first victory at Oakwell for nearly 7 months!
It looked like it could be a case of how many we would concede when skipper Paul Reid was ruled out late with injury and Paul Heckingbottom and Dale Tonge came into the side.
But The Reds really showed they were out to avenge Tuesday night's 4-2 crushing at Burnley when they through away a 2-0 cushion.
Barnsley dominated the first half with Marc Richards (yes honestly), Paul Hayes, Michael McIndoe and in particular Brian Howard in excellent form.
The only surprise was that Richards 10th opener was to be the match winner.
McIndoe's corner was headed towards goal by Heckingbottom, Hayes attempted a shot that was blocked and the ball squirmed to Richards who fired home.
Great start but nobody thought 1-0 would be enough, including the players as they bombarded the Wolves goal with former England U21 goal-keeper Matt Murray in world class form.
On 20 minutes, Devaney's trickery down the right allowed him to send in a cross that Hayes sent powerfully towards goal but Murray produced an outstanding finger-tip stop to turn the ball over.
The only trouble Barnsley were suffering was down Wolves left-hand side with former Tottenham youngster Rohan Ricketts giving Tonge a torrid time, Tonge had trouble keeping his feet throughout the game.
Barnsley kept coming though and in an almost identical move that saw Hayes header tipped over, Devaney sent in another right wing cross that Richards powered towards goal and again Murray turned it over.
Right before half-time Barnsley had two great chances to go 2-0 up.
Firstly Hayes was sent clear by after a lovely through ball from Richards and although he slipped his effort past the advancing Murray, Wolves skipper Jody Craddock somehow got back to clear off the line.
Within minutes Devaney's corner was poorly cleared and Antony Kay of all people hit a stunning strike that again Murray beat away.
As half-time arrived you did tend to worry whether Barnsley had just wasted their best chances to seal victory.
Indeed Wolves did dominate the second period as Sam Togwell and Howard tired in the middle but they failed to turn their possession, and pacy wingers, into anything constructive.
Colgan was forced to make two good, yet comfortable stops and once Colin Healy came on to help out the midfield Wolves just faded to leave The Reds to see out a comfortable 3 minutes stoppage time and claim a priceless and crucial victory and a much needed clean sheet.
Mick McCarthy would have been proud.
Player Ratings:
Nick Colgan: Was in the right place to deny Wolves twice in the second half. The clean sheet will mean so much to him. 7
Dale Tonge: Struggled against Ricketts' pace and needs some better studs in his boots to stop him slipping. 5
Bobby Hassell: Stand-in Captain and absolutely terrific, for what he lacked in height especially when Carl Cort came on, he made up for in tackling and reading of the game! 8
Antony Kay: Another solid display from Kay, another one who will be delighted to keep a clean sheet! 8
Paul Heckingbottom: Replaced Robbie Williams and a very good display. Had looked the weak link at the beginning of the season but today he dealt well with Wolves pace. 7
Martin Devaney: Another terrific first half before fading after half-time. Two great crosses would have brought goals for Hayes and Richards if it hadn't been for Wolves goal-keeper. Subbed. 7
Sam Togwell: Still didn't look quite his best and needlessly squandered possession. His tackling was excellent though. 6
Brian Howard: Outstanding again. Tired in the second half but he didn't stop running. His delight at the final whistle showed how much this win meant. 9
Michael McIndoe: Again on the top of his game and looks a steal at the report £125,000 he cost. His pace and trickery bamboozles defenders time and time again. Booked. 8
Paul Hayes: Another hard working display and very unlucky not to get a couple of goals. Subbed. 8
Marc Richards: Looked a lot better today for the simple fact he stayed on his feet more. Another goal to boost his confidence. MUST MUST MUST keep producing. Subbed. 8
Substitutes:
Colin Healy (for Devaney 77) Vital he came on as Togwell and Howard tired. Really helped close out the game. 7
Tommy Wright (for Hayes 81) Couldn't produce the same cameo as last week but he didn't have as much time on the pitch. Gave the defence someone to aim for towards the end. 6
Robbie Williams (Richards 90) Pointless substitution to slow down the game. 6
Unused Substitutes:
Vito Mannone, Anthony McParland
Sponsors Man of the Match: Bobby Hassell
BarnsleyBoy's Man of the Match: Good shout for Hassell as he was outstanding at the back but I just think Brian Howard pips him.
Most Impressed By Wolves': Rohan Ricketts: Didn't give Tonge a moment's peace.
Ref Watch: Nigel Miller: Another shocker. Wasn't helped by his woeful assistants but still I give up. 3
Coca-Cola Championship Results: Saturday 16th September 2006:
Barnsley 1-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Birmingham 2-2 Ipswich
Cardiff 4-1 Luton
Colchester 2-1 QPR
Coventry 1-0 Leeds
Derby 1-1 Preston
Norwich 0-1 Crystal Palace
Southampton 1-0 Plymouth
Stoke 0-1 Burnley
Sunderland 1-1 Leicester
West Brom 1-1 Southend
Friday 15th September 2006
Hull 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday
Barnsley lie in 13th place in the Championship with 11 points from 8 games. We are 2 points off the Play-Offs, 6 points off the Automatic Promotion Places, 6 points off First Place and 4 Points clear of the Relegation Zone.
Next Up:
At Oakwell:
Carling Cup Second Round: Barnsley v Milton Keynes Dons Tuesday 19th September 2006 Kick-Off 7.45pm
Tickets for the game will go on sale at 9.00am on Monday September 4, 2006 and admission is priced at £12.00 for adults and £6.00 concessions in all areas of the stadium.
Season ticket holders have until close of business on Saturday September 9, 2006, to claim their seat for the game. All remaining seats will go on GENERAL SALE at 9.00am on Monday September 11, 2006.
On The Road:
Coca-Cola Championship MatchDay Nine: Preston North End v Barnsley Friday 22nd September 2006 7:45pm.
LIVE ON SKY SPORTS
Adults - £20.00
OAPs (Over 65) - £13.00
Juveniles (17 and under) - £13.00
Juveniles (15 and under) - £7.00
Official Reds On The Road coaches will be making the trip to Lancashire. Tickets are also on sale now, priced at £11.00, and coaches will depart Oakwell at 4.30pm on the day of the game. Coach tickets will also go on sale on Saturday morning (September 9).
Official Reds On The Road coaches will be making the trip to Deepdale
Tickets: £11.
The coach leaves Oakwell at 4.30pm on the day of the game.
At Oakwell: Coca Cola Championship Matchday Ten: Barnsley v Luton Town Saturday 30th September 2006 Kick-Off 3pm.
Tickets for the big game are priced at:
East Stand and West Stand Upper Tiers
Adults £22.00
OAP/Juvenile £13.00
Juveniles (U11) £7.00
Barnsley Chronicle Family Area
Adults £22.00
OAP £13.00
Juvenile £13.00
Juveniles (U11) £7.00
East Stand Lower and West Stand Lower
Adults £21.00
OAP/Juveniles £12.00
Juveniles (U11) £6.00
Enterprise PLC Stand (Pontefract Road End)
Adults £20.00
OAP/Juveniles £12.00
Juveniles (U11) £6.00
All Disabled Areas £20.00
Helpers FREE OF CHARGE
To book tickets for forthcoming matches simply phone the Oakwell Box Office on 01226 211200. Alternatively call at the Box Office in person; contact the Box Office by fax on 01226 211444 or e-mail boxoffice@barnsleyfc.co.uk. Please note that Juvenile U11 tickets must be purchased in advance from the Oakwell Box Office and this price will not be on sale on the turnstiles under any circumstances.
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