2 games into the new season and same old story.
Game dominated, chances created, none taken, lose game.
This was a game Barnsley should have in the bag long before Cleveland Taylor pounced on a Neil Austin mistake to power through and nearly break the net.
Whilst the first half was fairly even (and poor) the second half belonged to the Reds (or whites as they were last night).
Outstanding Iron keeper Paul Musselwhite excelled to keep out Daniel Nardiello and the returning Paul Hayes, whilst Chris Shuker wasted the pick of the chances, after bursting through and skipping past a clumsy challenge from Musselwhite, he found himself on his weaker left foot and scruffed the ball towards an empty net, where Williams got back to hack away.
Barnsley still could have won it after Taylor's screamer but again they found Musselwhite an immovable barrier.
The first half though was a different story. Barnsley looked jaded and uninteresting, continually thumping long balls forward and isolating Shuker and McPhail from the game, whereas Scunthorpe looked up for it and somehow Torpey headed wide from right in front of goal.
Still Barnsley took the lead with their only meaningful chance of the half, and the scorer... well who else.
Barracked throughout the game by his former fans Paul Hayes found the perfect answer after 16 minutes. Racing through his first effort was partially blocked by Musselwhite but he stuck the rebound over the line, to cue mass celebrations from player and Tyke fans alike. Chants of " Theres Only One Paul Hayes" rang from behind Nick Colgans goal.
Within 10 minutes the Iron were level.
Matt Carbon (in my opinion harshly) was deemed to have sent Sparrow tumbling in the area by ref Alan Wiley who had a shocking game. From my vantage point Carbon seemed to have nudged the ball first but nevertheless, Nick Colgan faced his second penalty of the season. No such luck this time though as Iron skipper Andy Crosby sent Colgan the wrong way and drew Scunny level.
Into the second half and with no doubt a few choice words from Ritchie ringing in their ears. Barnsley were a different propositon. Tony Vaughan replaced Matt Carbon at the break (meaning Carbon managed a whopping 135 minutes of competitive football this season before encountering yet another problem) and the Reds set about regaining their lead.
In front of the strong away following who had braved the wet conditions and night kick-off they played neat and passing football but the final ball seemed to let them down and when they got that right thier was no way past Musselwhite.
On viewing statistics from the 2004/2005 season Barnsley lost FOUR TIMES after taking the lead and drew 12. They failed to win a SINGLE GAME when falling behind.
The inability to take chances saw them finish 13th last season and it could prove to be the downfall once again this campaign. Its too early to criticise and complain after just 2 games, the potentials there and when they get the ball on the ground they are a really attractive team but if they can't stick the ball in the onion bag on a regular basis, mid table mediocrity could be the order of the day once again.
Player Ratings:
Nick Colgan: Fairly untroubled, failed to be the penalty area again and had no chance with the winner, raced out to save his defence on a couple of occasions. 7
Dale Tonge: Poorest I've seen him player since breaking into the first team, looked lost. Subbed. 5
Matt Carbon: Unlucky to give away the penalty and looked fairly solid otherwise. Pulled off at the break with breathing problems. Subbed. 7
Antony Kay: Worked hard and stuck to his task well, if Carbon keeps fit him and Kay could have a good partnership. 7
Neil Austin: At fault for the winner but was always committed, you could see this result hurt him. Booked. 6
Chris Shuker: Looks a different player this season, wasted by far the best chance of a Barnsley second and was anonymous. Booked. 5
Stephen McPhail: Was a forlorn figure during the first half when the team insisted of playing long balls but second half when some real football was played, he excelled. Booked. 8
Jacob Burns: Not one of his better games but he kept his chin up. 6
Nicky Wroe: Battled well but was often found wanting, not sure if hes got what it takes for the first team. Subbed. 6
Paul Hayes: A return to Glanford Park, capped with the opening goal. This game meant alot to him and he really gave his all. Needed support. 8
Daniel Nardiello. Held the ball up wonderfully at times and had one good shot clawed away by Musselwhite. Caught offside too often though. 7
Subs:
Tony Vaughan (for Carbon 45) Slotted in well alongside Kay and kept the calmness there. 7
Barry Conlon (for Wroe 74) Tried to give Barnsley some aerial advantage. Needed in first half but couldn't make an impact when he came on. 6
Nathan Jarman (for Tonge 88) A last throw of the dice or a chance to see what he could do with the game lost? Hard to say but two minutes isnt long enough for anyone. 6
Man Of The Match: Stephen McPhail