Barnsley v Bolton - the Pup report

I took the plunge today and attended the game after being absent since Robins left. I felt all sentimental about the return of Danny Wilson, it was nice weather and I felt Barnsley might get a result.

Barnsley started well and could have been 2 or 3 goals to the good at half time. Bolton didn't show a great deal until just before half time when their player was left with a free header which caused problems resulting in a goal line clearance from Perkins. I was happy after the first 45 minutes and felt we would push on and win.

Unfortunately the game didn't finish at half time and I had to watch Barnsley fall apart in the second half. I can't adequately explain to anybody that wasn't there how terribly they played in the second half. Hopeful punts up field and diagonal balls to nowhere - Sunday League standard for the majority of the second half. Bolton came out of the traps like a greyhound and, after sustained pressure, scored. Game over, pack your bags, nothing to see here.

Danny Wilson has to use the players left to him and try to shake it up. I was surprised that the team sheet had Perkins, Hassell and Dawson in the starting 11 - this was one defensive midfielder too many for a home game. After the first 10 minutes of the second half it was obvious that Barnsley were overwhelmed and could not deal with the directness of Bolton. A substitution should have been made at least 5 minutes before they scored and it was a toss up for me between Dawson and Perkins as to who would be replaced. I plumped for Dawson and gave Perkins the benefit of the clearance and other defensive moments. I was surprised to see Hassell go off as he had looked tidy in possession.

Steele - MOM for me due to keeping us in the game at a time when Bolton were rampant although his kicking is just as pathetic as ever.

Scotland and O'Grady did not work as neither has the pace to outstrip a defence. They both seemed happy to try and go to ground under every challenge when it was abundantly clear that the referee was not going to give anything. They should have dished it out and see what the ref did then. Whilst I am on about the ref he had a Specsavers moment when Dawson was pushed to the ground for a clear penalty in the second half.

Wrong line up today and, in the second half, they had no idea what to do. McCourt came on and wanted to walk it in to the net. I know we are only 4 points from safety but, if this bunch can't get their act together, I feel this is the season we go down. Danny got it wrong but he was also let down by the players. I won't be rushing to go again.

 

I was cosy warm in my layers!!!!!!