Reds'amazing comeback Barnsley boss Andy Ritchie heaped lavish praise on his players after they completed a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory at Yorkshire rivals Hull. The comeback will have done wonders for the Reds, just when they must have been feeling low. Former Barnsley striker Jon Parkin put Hull 2-0 ahead with a quickfire double in the opening nine minutes and, suddemnly, Barnsley's elevation to The Championship was looking distinctly uncomfortable. But the spirit that Ritchie insists can help pull them through, never deserted them and a key moment was when Michael McIndoe pulled a goal back on the stroke of half-time. It was just the boost Barnsley needed and they did not waste the opportunity. Second-half goals from Marc Richards and Paul Hayes got Barnsley's Championship campaign up and running and will have done their confidence a huge amount of good. Hayes might have put Barnsley ahead even before Parkin struck in the 6th minute - finishing off a Craig Fagan cross. Just three minutes later, Parkin was to the fore again. A bouncing ball saw Nick Colgan come to claim it, Parkin made a muscular challenge, both men fell to the ground and it was Parkin who got up to bag his second, Paul Heckingbottom just unable to keep it out. Parkin's bruising challenge left Colgan in a heap, nursing a broken nose and requiring three minutes of treatment. Hull, lifted by this, threatened more and for a spell Barnsley were on the rack and fighting to keep in the game. They showed resilience in keeping going, surviving a blatant miss by Ryan France and in the final minute of the half, they threw themselves a lifeline. It was a Richards' cross that created the opportunity and McIndoe got in to touch the ball home. Within three minutes of the restart Barnsley were level and the home fans in the KC Stadium were stunned. McIndoe was supplier this time and when Heckingbottom nodded back, Richards finished off. Suddenly, the character of the game had changed. Hull sagged, Barnsley were boosted and it really wasn't a surprise when the Reds got the winner with 16 minutes to go. Sub Tommy Wright put 'keeper Boaz Myhill under pressure and Hayes swooped for a joyful finish that sent the Barnsley contingent wild with delight. "I was pleased with everything that happened after the first nine minutes," said Ritchie. "We'll have to stop going two down though," he added, a reference to Saturday's opener when they were two down to Cardiff before launching a fightback. This time it was successful and should do wonders for Barnsley's belief up in the higher division. It left Hull's new boss Phil Parkinson awaiting his first point after succeeding Peter Taylor and he bemoaned Hull's defensive flaws after they let slip a commanding lead. Barnsley, however, are off the mark - and in style too. Goals: Parkin (6,9) for Hull; McIndoe (45), Richards (49), Hayes (74) for Barnsley Got an opinion Click here mailto:starsport@sheffieldnewspapers.co.uk 09 August 2006
