Barnsley (1) 1 (Taylor) v Ipswich Town (2) 2 (Clarke, Lambe) Team: 1 Danny Free (2nd year) 2 Martin Grundy (2nd year) 3 Johnny Davies (1st year) 4 Connor Branson (1st year) 5 Dylan Robinson (1st year) 6 Danny Fearneough (1st year) 7 Alastair Taylor (1st year) Y 8 Tyrone Crapper (1st year) (Kieron Scargill 80 mins) 9 Jamil Adam (2nd year) Y 10 Reuben Noble-Lazarus (under 16) (Steven Bennett 45 minutes) 11 Tom Mellor (2nd year) (Danny Warburton 70 minutes) Subs 12 Danny Warburton (2nd year) 14 Kieron Scargill (1st year) 15 Liam Reffin (1st year) 16 Sreven Bennett (1st year) 22 Tom Ruslin (1st year) Barnsley started 4.1.4.1 against Ipswich 4.3.2.1. The Reds got off to the worst possible start when Ipswich scored after a minute. They broke from midfield and the Branson was caught ball watching allowing Lambe to sprint clear and release Clarke to beat Free easily. Barnsley had most of the ball for the rest of the half without looking like scoring, whilst Ipswich looked dangerous every time they had the ball. The Barnsley back 2 found Lambe, the Ipswich striker particularly difficult to mark as he interchanged with the right winger, Daniels. For Barnsley, Danny Fearnehough, playing in front of the back four did well in the space that that position allowed him to pass the ball. Jamil Adam is too small to play as a lone striker and was wasted in that position. I was particularly interested in the performances of Taylor on the right wing and Lazerus in midfield as both have been cited at one time or another as the next big thing. Although Taylor scored a headed equaliser just before half time from a Mellor cross, I was a little disappointed with his overall contribution as he repeatedly failed to make the best of promising possession. Lazarus has been constantly been cited as a big talent since he was a 12 year old. He is still only 15 years old. It is easy to see why. He is quick over 10 yards and has good vision and a strong shot in his left foot. Nevertheless, his undoubted talent on the ball needs to be matched by hard work when he does not have the ball. There was a Lazarus shaped hole in front of our defense on many occasions, which was filled by the Ipswich midfield for most of the first half. Still, this was his second game of the week, and his half time substitution came as no surprise. Ipswich went back in front immediately after the Reds equaliser when Lambe finished coolly after getting a fortunate bounce of the ball in a tackle with Fearneough. The second period started with Striker Steven Bennett replacing Lazarus and Adam dropping back into midfield. The pattern of play established in the first half continued with the Reds having most of the ball and Town missing chance after chance, a situation not exactly improved by poor positioning by the Barnsley keeper, Free. However, I was impressed by Bennett, who is just the sort to play as a lone striker, and who was a real handfull for the Ipswich back two. In spite of a lot of effort, the second half finnished goalless. By the way, anyone who thinks that Crapper is a funny name should be aware that Tyrone looks like he has come across many of the same opinion, and has enjoyed explaining the error of their ways to them. Considering the age of the team, this was a very good openning match. I would worry about the defence but there is hope in front of them. Frustration earned late bookings for Taylor and Adam.
RE: who's this Scargill lad then See here for pen pictures of the 1st years http://www.barnsleyfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/AcademyScholars/0,,10309~1339741,00.html
