Reort from the Times

GIVEN how claustrophobic it is at the bottom of the Championship this season, Barnsley were denied the opportunity to put some much-needed breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone yesterday, the damage done in an emphatic first-half performance from Norwich City and the marvellous Darren Huckerby.

Coming into this match on the back of two impressive victories that had lifted them out of the bottom three, Barnsley were hoping they had finally discovered a level of consistency that, ultimately, would secure their Championship status for next season. Instead the gap, only by virtue of positive results elsewhere, remains three points.

Lacking quality and a cutting edge at times, manager Simon Davey must pray his side’s confidence is not affected by this comprehensive loss. Significantly, Barnsley suffered their heaviest defeat of the season so far when these teams last met - back in August, Norwich won 5-1 at Carrow Road - and with one of the main tormentors that day, Huckerby, available after passing a late fitness test, this match began in a similarly devastating fashion, with the visitors scoring three times in the opening 45 minutes.

As quick and as skilful as Huckerby is, Barnsley captain Paul Reid, inexcusably, was far too slow and hesitant when the Norwich striker glided past him just outside the penalty area. Huckerby curled a left-footed shot into the top corner, beyond goalkeeper Nick Colgan, for his 10th goal of the season.

Although the Tykes continued to press, Norwich, doubled their lead on 26 minutes, with Huckerby the main inspiration once again. A clearance came out to an unmarked Lee Croft and despite strong suspicions that he was offside, the midfielder scored comfortably. Then, four minutes from half-time, Norwich broke again on the counter-attack and Huckerby crossed for Chris Martin to head in from six yards.

Barnsley were able to pull a goal back shortly before the interval, when Hungarian Istvan Ferenczi diverted a cross from Martin Devaney past Tony Warner for his fifth goal in six matches. Until then Warner, signed on loan from Fulham on Friday, had done well but, five minutes into the second half, he was badly at fault when rashly racing from his goal to punch clear a cross. Only the intervention of Jason Shackell and Andy Hughes, who both cleared from the goalline in quick succession, prevented Norwich conceding again.

Apart from Devaney, surprisingly replaced on 70 minutes, Barnsley threatened little thereafter. The grumble from the locals, having watched their team outplayed, is whether Davey actually .
Why hes surprised at Devane being taken off is beyond me because his crossing woeful for most of the time (mind you he was'nt on his own there plus the corners and free kicks we also cocked up)

 

must get a new keyboard this one sticks right left and bloody centre nt

 

Sounds as though the Times - in true London based media tradition - are willing us to go down.

'The grumble from the locals, having watched their team outplayed, ' - Outplayed?? - FFS!