The reds were on the road again this weekend, a trip to Doncaster for a 3pm push off. The reds were hoping start a bit of a winning streak after their 3-1 win last week. The first half started off well for Barnsley as they stepped into the game well, catching Doncaster sleeping on a few occasions leading to some early attacks from wingers Connor Massey and Bryce Tuckett who the reds were glad to see in action for the first time this season, with the help of captain James Shaw to complete the top three. Around 15 minutes into the game the constant Barnsley press payed off. Rob McCarthy won a free hit just inside the Doncaster 25 which was quickly taken by Max Hirst who found C.Massey on the edge of the D who took the shot on the reverse and lobbed the keeper putting the ball into the top left of the net. I’m confident that’s what he meant to do! The goal must have woken Doncaster up as they began to apply pressure on the Barnsley back four of Robin Codina, Ian Massey, Chris Dare and Chris Copley. However the back four stayed strong and cleared most danger away. Anything that did get through was sorted out quickly by keeper Owen Humphries, ensuring nothing would harm the one goal deficit.

Second half began and again Barnsley did have chances with super sub Dave Wright playing in the striker role, short corners came Barnsley’s way but a goal was not meant to be early on. Doncaster became relentless in their attacks pushing Tim Lloyd and McCarthy back into more defensive roles but every attack that came was dealt with by red wall. Counter attacks did come along for Barnsley, a ball from Shaw to C.Massey set him off on the wing, the ball was squared across net but the oncoming attackers couldn’t get a touch, more counter attacks came but no goals. Most of the latter end of the second half was Doncaster pressure but they simply could not score against Humphries as he made save after save, which is what earned him man of the match. Every Barnsley player chipped in, in defending and the Doncaster players were getting more and more desperate for a goal. The last minute was shown by the umpires and Doncaster had won a short corner. The Barnsley players prepared themselves to defend one last time. The ball came out to the striking Doncaster player and he flicked the ball up high, only to hit Hirst in the forehead, luckily he had a mask on, and the decision went Barnsley’s way as there was no way that shot was on target! The last 20 seconds saw the ball smashed down field and finally the whistle went giving Barnsley a well earned three points and putting them into mid table. The reds are back on home soil Saturday against Slazengers at 10:30.
You reds