but I felt Richards had an excellent game. Put himself about well, chased everything down, and won plenty in the air. Did a lot more than Hayes, so I thought it was the right decision to replace him. Most of the good moves involved Richards at some point rather than Hayes, who looked a bit disinterested at times and whose first touch let him down more often that not. It was between Carbon and Richards for man of the match for me easily. Carbon lead the defence well and coped well with 6'4" Platt. Can't believe people though McPhail was man of the match. First half he was anonymous, second half only had a few more touches. Most of the time was spent jumping out of the way when the ball was in the air. I'm not doubting he has the class, but he can't get stuck in when the ball needs to be won. It was rare that we had time and space on the ball in midfield, both of which McPhail needs to stamp his authority on the game. Overall, we were poor, true. Most important thing is that we got 3 points. And it was like a morgue down there today. The 100 or so from Milton Keynes made more noise. At the end of the day, we just want to get out of this division, at least in the Championship we should have more time and space to play the attractive passing game that all Barnsley fans know and love. I'd like to see dynamic attacking football every time I watch the reds - but I would much rather see us win promotion, even if it means playing poorly and coming away with 3 points. My ratings: Colgan - 7 - Fantastic double save (although Wilbraham should have scored), made up for him slipping on his arse earlier in the game. Ozzie - 6 - Got worried everytime their winger Wade Small ran at him, but equally got a few decent challenges in. Reid - 7 - Coped with most of what was thrown at him. Carbon - 8 - Seem to relish the physical battle with Platt, and came of much the better. Strong throughout, and touch wood, didn't pick up an injury. Hassell - 7 - Took his goal well, and got forward to support well enough. Couple of nervy moments, but on the whole, solid. Burns - 7 - Early (stupid) booking seemed to take an understandable edge of his game. Still did a lot of unnoticed donkey work in the middle of the park. McPhail - 5 - Give him the time and space and he can look a class apart. This wasn't the game though. Wasn't at the races for most of the match. Devaney - 6 - Had a couple of occasions where he caused problems when getting crosses over. But like McPhail, doesnt like the rough stuff. How was he the man of the match? Shuker - 5 - Their left back Lewingtion had him in his pocket for most of the game. When he did get free, his final ball was more often than not, poor. Worked hard though. Hayes - 6 - Had the odd nice touch here and there. Never really threatned their goal, adn his touch seemed to desert him the longer the match went on. Richards - 8 - Although most will disagree, had a good game. Chased, harried, put himself about, won a lot in the air against a fairly solid MK Dons defence. Also got into the danger area more than Hayes and tried to get on the end of things. His goal was very well taken, still not sure how he got it in from the angle, but overall deserved it. Subs Nardiello - 6 - Seemed to make a bit more of an effort than the last couple of times I've seen him. Probably a bit too eager to make an impression, hence the wasteful shot from outside the area when Richards and Shuker(?) were better place. Howard - 7 - Took the piss out of their centre half a couple of times with some nice dummies. Skillfull on the ball, although sometimes a bit too careless in our half. Wright - 6 - Not too much chance to do anything. Chased, won a couple of headers, but the match was won by then. Special rating for Ritchie - 2 - If a player had slammed the ball down like that, he would have expected a fine. Referee - 4 - Kept blowing for niggly things, rarely let the game flow, and didn't quite appreciate the advantage rule. Also failed to give us a blatant penalty. Worried for next Friday if we play like that though. Work in Nottingham and have bets going with Forest fans, so I fear I may be out of pocket next weekend. I will still get behind the lads though. All I want at the end of this season is promotion.
McPhail - 5 - Give him the time and space and he can look a class apart. This wasn't the game though. Wasn't at the races for most of the match. </p> Oh dear! </p>
McPhail was man of thematch in the second half.</p> Trouble is, no matter what he does he never gets acknowledged.</p> You are entitled to your opinion and no one is saying anything against it.</p> McPhail is a class above most of the players on the pitch and really worked to raise the team in the second half today.</p>
Thats fine Tina, just thought McPhail hardly had a look in with the ball at his feet. And as for trying to win the ball, comical at best.
Thank God.</p> Thought I was dreaming.</p> Steve and Aly agreed too.</p> Thought he was inspirational second half.</p>
Well, don't get me going on Richards.</p> Scored a great goal today but for 80% of game he was awful and anonymous.</p> In first half he missed 4 clear cut chances laid on for him.</p> He never seems to be able to get on the end of a ball or a ball going across goal/</p> I have to admit I don't like him and wonder what Ritchie sees in him but he is a Barnsley player and I will get behind him no matter what but how can you compare him to Hendry, Ward, Shipps, Glavin and my hero Fjortoft.</p>
Fair enough, we cant compare him with Ward, Shipperley, Hendrie and Fjortoft, but they were in higher divisions. Glavin was slightly before my time I'm afraid! Can't think of four clear cut chances. He made the keeper make a good low save and put a header over the bar when stretching (was offside anyway). Most of the balls forward he was challenging for.
Other Managers seem to rate him as they always seem to comment about him in their post match inteviews and Ritchie certainly does so I have to bow to their superior knowledge.</p> I hope the lad goes on to be a Barnsley hero I really do.</p> He may well do, he is young and if he keeps the hunger and is properly coached, he may well go on to do well.</p>
Fingers crossed. And hopefully McPhail can get time and space to do the damage that we both know he can do!
Yes hopefully. </p> have been a harsh critic in the past but have learned to see just what he can bring to the game.</p> Same with Hayes. I disliked him intensely but now I think we have a player who can definitely play at a much higher level.</p> He is a class apart, always knows where his man is and has such a clever touch and vision.</p> In Septemebre I wanted him out of the team!</p> How times change</p> Hope Richards can come good</p>
Yes hopefully. </p> have been a harsh critic in the past but have learned to see just what he can bring to the game.</p> Same with Hayes. I disliked him intensely but now I think we have a player who can definitely play at a much higher level.</p> He is a class apart, always knows where his man is and has such a clever touch and vision.</p> In Septemebre I wanted him out of the team!</p> How times change</p> Hope Richards can come good</p>
