Doesn't matter what formation we played today - they were just better than us

It sounds ridiculous to say it but I couldn't help thinking about the 0-6 against Chelsea in the Premier League. Been a long time since I saw us so outclassed all over the field. It looked like a Premier League team playing a Fourth Division team.

I'm struggling to remember anything good about that performance. Oh, there were a couple of good tackles and maybe one or two good passes but none of it was effective, ie nothing we did worried the opposition. Good as Wigan were at knocking the ball around they were also very good at stopping us playing. The few times that we had a runner with the ball the cynical challenge came in and the referee mostly ignored it or gave a pointless free kick. He finally booked one of them but it made no difference. Of course, as soon as Jennings launched himself at one of their players the outcome was inevitable. The challenge was just plain stupid and he must be vying for quickest sending off on debut with Carl Regan.

It's a real kick in the teeth after all the euphoria of the last few months and we could have done with an easier start than Wigan. I have spent so many years living away from Barnsley and having finally returned to the area, and bought my season ticket of course, I am still looking forward to more good days than bad ones at Oakwell this season. I think many of us would have accepted a defeat with a bit more fight and commitment from the Reds but to lose like that was unacceptable. I imagine there will be a graveyard atmosphere on Tuesday night but if we win it will pick the players up again. Blackpool next week is often a good fixture for us so maybe by this time next Saturday things will look a lot better. Right now they are not looking so good, but let's not write them off on the back of one heavy defeat to an accomplished side.

 

I don't think they ALLOWED us to test them and we weren't playing with the same urgency as was shown at the end of last season. Look at that move just before the last goal - there must have been 40 or 50 touches accompanied by "Ole" from their fans with just a glancing header from Golbourne in the middle of it. It was obvious that they were playing with us and would ultimately score whenever they felt like it, and that is just what happened.

 

Id fancy us to get at least a point next week at Blackie mate...

 

You canna go down to 10 men and expect to win. Hopefully 11 men on the park next week for the whole 90 mins.