Barnsley made their 3rd consecutive cup final appearance last weekend. They travelled to Halifax to face Bradford 2nd XI for the two clubs first ever meeting.
It was a very close game with both sides having great chances to score. It was Bradford who had the first real chance but the ball was hit wide of an open goal. Barnsley then scored through top goal scorer Dave Maine. The inform striker was faster to react to a ball coming across goal and hit the ball into the bottom corner. Bradford started to string some good play together and created some good chances. Their first goal came through some good passing play carving the Barnsley defence wide open leaving keeper Richard Jane with no chance. Bradford then created more chances and made one of these count midway through the first half. Barnsley then had a lot of possession and made it count through Phil Kitchen making the score 2-2 at half time.
Bradford started the second half the stronger of the two team and after Rod Deverson was shown a yellow for a frustrated tackle they made the extra man count scoring 2 quick goals. This seemed to kill the game as Barnsley tried to put some attacking play together were caught out a further two times on the counter attack. It could have been more if not for a determined Barnsley goal keeper earning him the Man of the Match award. Wasn’t to be Barnsley’s year yet again final score 5-2 to Bradford.

Man of the Match Richard Jane