Nearly three months may have passed but nothing seems to change at Barnsley Football Club. Sublime one moment, shocking the next and then back to sublime.
A horrible first half performance at Hillsborough deflated all the optimism generated by an unbeaten pre-season but a total turnaround in the second half has seen some faith restored.
Its no secret that Hillsborough is an unhappy hunting ground for The Reds- last season's 1-0 success there ended a run of 11 straight defeats, so it is probably not best to start with a performance that lacked effort, skill or ideas. Going 2-0 down at the home of your local rivals is hard to take in itself but to do it without seemingly even trying to avoid it is something else.
Remarkably
Last season The Reds made a flying start in the first game by scoring after five minutes, but just nine minutes were gone in 2009-2010 when The Reds fell behind.
Wednesday had struck a warning just a minute earlier when a fierce drive from James O'Connor was beaten away by Luke Steele. The Reds didn't heed it however and Wednesday scored due to a poor mistake from Rob Kozluk.
Instead of just clearing the ball, Kozluk- who had arguably his worst game for the club- dallied, knocked the ball into the air and allowed Michael Gray to beat him, swing in a low cross which Jermaine Johnson- poorly marked by another woeful performer Martin Devaney- steered home despite Steele getting fingertips to it.
The early setback failed to galvanise The Reds, and they were easily second best, but had three golden opportunities to level the scores.
Firstly Jacob Butterfield whipped in a lovely free-kick and Anderson De Silva was stood totally unmarked at the back post. In totally typical
Macken twice then spurned golden opportunities. First Odejayi nodded down a high ball and Macken's sweet strike was well blocked by the legs of Lee Grant. Minutes later, Butterfield's effort deflected to him but from six yards out he drove the ball straight at Grant.
Six minutes before the break, the 5,000 travelling supporters realised their worst nightmare- a second Wednesday goal.
Tommy Spurr launched in a long throw, Marcus Tudgay beat Stephen Foster to the flick on and Gray bravely dived in to head past Steele. For some strange reason Steele had raised his arms as if to indicate he thought the ball was heading out of play. It was clear, certainly to me, that it was always on target.
As the half time whistle blew a familiar sound of boos echoed from the Reds faithful and history was certainly not on their side. There had not been more than three goals in a Wednesday-Barnsley match in the previous 12 meetings, the last time the two sides met at Hillsborough on the opening day, Wednesday won 3-0, and Barnsley had not drawn at the home of the Owls since 1981, when that also finished 2-2.
Hopes were dashed even more when the teams returned after the break and Reds boss Simon Davey had made no changes at all!
Jacob Butterfield has been described as a big hope for the last couple of years but he is starting to show evidence that this may be the year he finally breaks through. He had already followed up a Man of the Match performance against
Devaney made his only contribution of the game by whipping in a right wing cross, and Butterfield showed great composure by dropping his shoulder which gave him the space to drill a shot underneath Grant.
Wednesday, who had looked so assured in the first half now started to panic, sending clearances and even passes into touch. With 15 minutes remaining
Odejayi flicked a long ball into the area, Macken chested it down and then sent it into the far bottom corner. The 5,000 supporters behind that goal who were so despondent half an hour previously went berserk!
Steele had to save smartly from Darren Potter at the end, but by then Wednesday knew they had thrown away. Any positive result at Hillsborough is good, let's hope it's the start of a positive season.
Player Ratings:
Luke Steele: Pulled off a fine save at the beginning and end of the match but could be blamed for allowing the second goal in. 7
Rob Kozluk: Terrible performance. Couldn't handle Gray and was his usual rash self with tackles. 3
Stephen Foster: Looked uncomfortable early on but was strong as Wednesday flooded forward in the first half. Booked. 7
Darren Moore: Magnificent display! Didn't give Francis Jeffers a sniff, and was always in control. 8
Bobby Hassell: His throws were a danger and was solid defensively. 7
Jacob Butterfield: Finally realising his potential. Followed up a man of the match performance against
Jamal Campbell-Ryce: Totally anonymous. Never got in the game. 3
Martin Devaney: Certainly wasn't a day for the widemen. Slightly better than JCR seeing as he delivered the cross for Butterfield's goal but never beat his man and was continually dispossessed. Subbed. 3
Kayode Odejayi: Unfortunately Darren Purse had him in his pocket, but he did manage to flick on for Macken to score. 5
Jon Macken: Worked hard as he always does and on another day could have had a hat-trick. Smart finish for the equaliser. 7
Substitutes:
Daniel Bogdanovic (for Devaney 75) The Reds actually scored with seconds of his arrival but he also had a personal impact. Was a constant threat despite being posted on the wing. 7
Unused Substitutes:
David Preece, Luke Potter, Jordan Hibbert, Jamil Adam, Onome Sodje, Iain Hume.
BarnsleyBoy's Man of the Match: Jacob Butterfield: Another masterful display in the centre of midfield. Special mention to
Subs: Hinds, Miller, McAllister, Simek, O'Donnell.
Most Impressed by Wednesday's: Michael Gray: Set up the first goal and scored the second. His set-pieces were always a danger
Ref Watch: Anthony Taylor: Handled the white hot atmosphere for a
Coca Cola Championship Results
QPR 1-1
We are in the Play-Offs on goals scored, 2 points off the Automatic Promotion Places, 2 points off First place and 1 point above the Relegation Zone.
Up to
Next Up:
On The Road:
Carling Cup First Round:
Tickets:
2009/10 Season Ticket Holders
Adults: £10
Concessions: £5
Under 16s: £5
Non-Season Ticket Holders
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Under 16s: £5
Official Reds On The Road coaches will be making the trip to
At Oakwell:
Coca-Cola Championship Matchday Two:
Tickets:
East Stand and West Stand Upper Tiers
Adults £21.00
OAP/Juvenile £12.00
Juveniles (U11) £6.00
Adults £21.00
OAP £12.00
Juvenile £12.00
Juveniles (U11) £6.00
East Stand Lower and West Stand Lower
Adults £20.00
OAP/Juveniles £11.00
Juveniles (U11) £5.00
CK Beckett Stand (
Adults £19.00
OAP/Juveniles £11.00
Juveniles (U11) £5.00
All Disabled Areas £19.00
Helpers FREE OF CHARGE
To book tickets for forthcoming matches simply phone the Oakwell Box Office on 0871 2266777. 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.
