Although the result was similar, this was a much better game than the previous home game versus Wednesday. For a start, it was played in a much better spirit and the ref has much less paperwork as the only booking was the Derby 7 for kicking the ball away. Nevertheless, Derby were good value for their win. Although the score was 0-0 as half time, the first half contained plenty of chances at both ends. Barnsley's young finishers were not up to the task, whilst Derby were continually twarted by the young Barnsley keeper, Danny Free. Free was beaten after about 10 minutes of the second half when a series of 1-2s at the edge of the box put the Derby 10 clear. He had the time and composure to beat the last defender and keeper and walk the ball home. We were still creating chances at the other end as Derby's offside trap continued to malfunction, but most fell to Jack Watts who was not up to the tack of tapping them home. Goals 2 and 3 came from the Derby left winger, who survived a rocket from his dad (why do parents interfer) at half time to give the Reds right back a torrid time. Once again I must heap abuse upon Ronnie Branson. I just do not see the point in the constant commentary from the bench, most of which is unhelpful to youngsters trying to concentrate on the game, and some of which is totally inane. Surely the player should make their own decisions and the coach should correct their errors. Certainly, that seems to be what other coaches do. The Reds started with 5 first years and 6 second years. Jacob White and Ryan Jennings were suspended after being sent off against Wednesday. Jacob Butterfield and Luke Potter were not picked. Barnsley's best were Danny Free (keeper) who kept the score down, Luke Waterfall (CH) who continues to dominate every team in the air, Liam Ormsby (MF) who is in my opinion a much better player than White and Luke Fedorenko (MotM) who played central midfield for the first time ever and was responsible for all our best bits going forward. It could well be Fed's best position, but the coach must work on his defence.
