Barnsley 1 (Coulson pen) Manchester City 2 A strong wind spoiled the game as a spectacle. Players with skill could not use it and the game was won by the stronger and more agressive side. Barnsley started with the wind at their backs, although in truth it seemed to be blowing in every direction according to the corner flags. White forced a good save from the city keeper after he skipped around a challange in the box and hit a delicate chip to the keeper's left corner. Next, Kyle Wyatt should have scored when he was left one on one with the keeper following Coulson's head on. The city defense were miles away with their hands in the air as time weighed heavy on the lad's shoulders and he produced a poor effort with the wrong foot. City went ahead against the run of play with a penalty after Potter dived in a fraction of a second after the City forward had released the ball. The defense might also ask why the city midfield player had so much time and space to pick his pass. Letheran was beaten to his right with the subsequent penalty. HT Reds 0 City 1 Barnsley equalised for another penalty after Coulson was sent sprawling by the city Center Back who really should have stayed on his feet. Coulson scored to the keepers left. The elements were now helping city to force back the young reds and the forwards were gradually isolated from the defence and midfield. When the winner came, it was from a free kick on city's right. The ball was crossed in to the near post where Potter was beaten to the ball by the city forward who forced the ball home despite Leatheren's efforts. It was nice to see Stephan Holt come back into action after a broken leg as a second half substitute for Kyle Wyatt. Liam Ormsby also substituted for Glen McGrory. Today was probably not the right day to assess progress as none of the lads seemed to play that well. The Barnsley MotM was probably Michael Coulson again. I though right back Ryan Jennings also did well. Equally, it was probably not the game to assess new coach Ronnie Branson. However, I do think that the constant flow of information from the touchline, particularly to the player with the ball is not helping them. Surely, they should be making their own decisions and the coach either reinforces or corrects those decisions afterwards. It was a day for strength and agression but the coach seemed to encourage the players to go to ground. In contrast the City bench was much quieter and generally waited for a break in play to make their points. Team 1. Leatheren, 2. Jennings, 3. Smith, 4. Waterfall, 5. Potter, 6. White 7. McGrory, 8. Butterfield 9. Wyatt, 10. Coulson, 11. Frost
