My opinion on yesterday's game

And although I will echo the fact that many have also raised, in that this division is a breath of fresh air, and that this season has been very enjoyable, I can't help but feel a little frustrated with how this week has gone.

Considering that we've dropped points against teams such as Port Vale, Crawley and Swindon this season so far, you could forgive us for also dropping points against Notts County, Peterborough and Bristol City, who are in fact 3 of the top 5 teams in this league. Yet in the manner we have dropped points against these 3 teams is what makes me frustrated.

I can't really comment much on the Peterborough game as I neither went to it nor listened to it on the internet. That said, from what I can gather, we were just 2nd best after going a goal up.

Encouraging signs then going into the Notts County game, a team for me who have had a good start to the season but will eventually fade away. Not only were we 2 goals to the good, but we were in complete control. And although our performance in the final 70 minutes of the game didn't deserve any points, you'd have thought that after being 2 goals to the good inside of the first 15 minutes, we'd have enough quality to see out the game. Because we have got the quality. I read someone on here say that Danny has made more misses than hits with his signings this season, I cannot disagree more with that sentiment. However we just seem to be lacking that little bit of consistency which will make this good team, into a great one. What was more frustrating about the defeat on Tuesday night, was that we'd created enough chances to win the game 3 or 4 times over. It's been years since I've seen a Barnsley team create as many chances as this one does. Yet we are let down time and time again by our defensive frailties.

So onto yesterday's game then, and the obvious frustration of being by far the better side against top of the league, and still only coming away with a point. Before the game a point would have been a fantastic result, however considering we came from a goal down to lead and were very much in the ascendency, I am a little disappointed that we didn't see the game out against a Bristol City team who didn't look anything like runaway leaders.

I don't want to sound too negative, however we're going to have more off days this season, so for me it is vital that we see out the games we deserve to win, particularly at home so that when we do have an off game, we can talk about how far we're off the top 6 rather than how much closer we've got to the bottom 4.

So my ratings for yesterday's game:

Turnbull 7, had little to do really and had no chance for either goal considering the first was a defensive error and the 2nd was a bit of a rocket.

Cranie 7.5, I'm not a fan of Cranie at right back, but he had a solid game yesterday, just wish our full backs would get that little tighter to block the cross from coming in. Although Bree has done reasonably well this season, I feel it will do him good to have a break from the team.

Ramage 7.5, for me the back 4 in general had a good game, but just had a couple of lapses which resulted in 2 goals. Ramage was a commanding presence again and for me should be captain.

Nyatanga 8, had a decent game. Always makes me nervous when he has the ball, but put in some good last ditch tackles especially in the first half, where goal aside, we've defended as well as we have all season.

Dudgeon 7, came back into the side and had a good game. Another one who needs to get tighter to block a cross coming in.

Bailey 7, I feel we missed him a little on Tuesday night although I don't think he's the steely midfielder we're crying out for. A good passer of the ball, but I noticed a couple of times yesterday that he lost his man.

Berry 8.5, I really like Berry. For his size he seems to be able to mix it with the biggest of players. Won a few in the air as well as made some fine challenges on the ground. Still stand by the fact that he'll be better played in the centre rather than having him on the right.

Williams 8, I think this lad will be something really special with a bit more match practice. Gets the ball and looks to go forwards every time. After watching the FL show highlights he seemed to be involved in every meaningful attack we had. Just make a few bad decisions.

Hourihane 8, another fine display from our stand out summer signing. Could easily have had a hat trick today and gets involved in some brilliant interplay with Williams and Winnall. Sometimes we seem to make one pass too many though.

Cole 6.5, had a bit of an off day for me. Maybe starting to look a little tired. The lad is an undoubted talent but like Williams, seems to make a lot of bad decisions. Would like to see more of his lightening pace as he seems a little lightweight when receiving a pass to feet.

Winnall 9, he's everywhere. I don't mind him drifting out wide because as soon as he releases the ball, he's straight inside to assume the position he should be in. Chasing and harrowing the defense all afternoon and now it seems he's found his goalscoring touch. I was directly in line with his goal today, he picked out the one place where the goalkeeper couldn't reach. Fantastic today.

Someone made the point yesterday that they come away from every game with a new favourite player. Something I also find myself doing, which is why for me it I clear to see that Danny has signed some exceptional players this summer, very exciting times ahead. After the game next week, we seem to have as stretch of teams in the bottom half of the table to play, we could easily be in or around the top 6 by christmas.

 

Just seen player ratings on a BC fans forum:

I was there.

Fielding 8- made 2 fantastic saves to save us a humiliating defeat.
Ayling 6- Gave the ball away, silly lunge for penalty but well,taken goal.
Williams 7- Solid
Flint 8- one amazing off the goal line "save", some great tackles and composed MOTM
Bryan 6- not his best game, looked decent going forward
Little 5- Poorst game in a City shirt, left Ayling exposed, dI'd t track back etc
Freeman 6- pretty ineffective but some good touches, runs etc
Smith 6- see above
Elliot 6.5- composed but lacked movement and seemed a tad leggy
Agard 5- poor first touch, didn't do enough for me to warrant a 6
Wilbraham7- worked tirelessly and what a strike

Subs;
JET 7, caused their defence allsorts of problems in the short space of time he was on.
Waggy not long enough to comment

They give their keeper & defenders the highest scores.

 

I think with Cole, making him hold the ball up trying to knock it on to someone or run round them doesn't work, he isn't strong enough to do that. play a pass the goes passed him and the defender and thats how we use his strengths. Give him balls to run on to and he will score goals and assists. Really hope we can extend his loan. I'd also like to see Williams stay longer maybe a permanent? He has pace and always wants the ball, puts a tackle in aswell. Only 20 so he will make mistakes. I agree with every other rating, Crainie was brilliant at right back, i'd play the same team against the pigs in Sheffield. I'd wait til Jan to see if we should be extending Dudgeons stay. He also had a very good game, 2-3 mis placed passes but not much got round him.

 

'Humiliating defeat' getting to be more than a touch of the big time charlies amongst this lot

 

I read it more like saved them from a 4 or 5 goal defeat rather than little old Barnsley.

 

I would like to see Cole play a lot closer to Winnall and vice versa.