We need to start tonight like we really mean business.

No fannying around. No repeat of the first halves against Oxford and Chesterfield.
Hit them hard, close them down and press forward quickly. Do not give Oldham time on the ball.
Barnsley down the years play at their best when they start well and dominate proceedings, not when they allow the opposition to set the pace and rule midfield. Anyone like that coloured lad on the wing for Chesterfield needs putting in the wall bottom not given the freedom of the pitch. Show who's boss from the off.

 

It's a failing we've had for some time though. Very rare we get off to a good start. I bet there aren't many first ten minutes goals on our record the last few years either.

Years ago we seemed to have an opening blast of high tempo play at the start of every match. Now it hardly ever happens. I sometimes wonder if kicking towards a (mostly) empty away end is a bit of a disadvantage. I know that traditionally we do that but I wonder why? For me we could try starting kicking towards the Ponty End first (if we are allowed to after the toss that is). If we did a couple of good things in the first few mins the crowd behind the goal would get behind them from the off and it just might make a difference. Nothing nicer than being 2-0 up in the first quarter of an hour, and then going on to get four or five.

Big match tonight. No room for messing about, containing the opposition. We need to be in their faces and on the front foot from minute ONE!

 

Absolutely this (except maybe the choice of word used to describe ariyibi).

Far too much tentative fannying around letting the opposition into the game of late. Oldham have been miserly away from home this season and will want the 3 points as badly as us, we need to hit them from the word go. We've got the players to blow then out of the water, it's up to them to actually do this.

 

gerrrrinto'em!!!

 

Or Fleetwood, Southend etc. It has seemed to happen most matches for a while now. Even the Racing Post who tip us to win regularly have gone for Oldham in the draw no bet market. Four clean sheets in a row including 5 in 6, 2 defeats in 14, 3 away defeats all season and a couple of solid defensive displays against promotion contending teams Burton and Walsall. Tonight won't be easy so an early goal will definitely help