Walsall v Barnsley Final Game of the Season, Win It And We're In It

Last updated : 06 May 2006 By Rob Miles (barnsley Boy)

Paul Hayes could have joined Neil Austin and Paul Reid on the absence list. Hayes has been struggling with a groin injury but will be given until the last minute to prove his fitness. If he fails to make it Daniel Nardiello is favourtie to partner Marc Richards up front for a game Barnsley need to win or at least equal the results of either Swansea or Nottingham Forest to secure a play-off place.

Matt Carbon has recovered from his groin injury but may have to do with a place on the bench after the fine form of Antony Kay and Bobby Hassell against Bradford last weekend.

Probable Line-Up:

Nick Colgan

Paul Heckingbottom

Bobby Hassell

Antony Kay

Dale Tonge

Martin Devaney

Stephen McPhail

Brian Howard

Chris Shuker

Marc Richards

Paul Hayes/Daniel Nardiello

If Barnsley are going to triuph at already relegated Walsall they are going to have to do something they havent done since the last time they reached the play-offs.

The Reds won 4-1 at the Bescot Stadium back on April 1st 2000 in a season that ultimately ended with a trip to Wembley.

In fact at 20 meetings at Walsall The Reds have only come back with a win on 3 occasions.

The last time the two teams met at the Bescot Stadium was in fact this year, on the 17th January in an FA Cup 3rd Round Replay. Walsall triumphed 2-0 that night and that remains Walsall's only home victory in 2006.

In the reverse fixture this season Barnsley claimed the 3 points with a hard fought 2-1 victory at Oakwell back on 29th October. Paul Hayes and Brian Howard grabbing the goals. On that day Barnsley moved into 5th place in League One (ironically the same position they now hold) whilst Walsall laid 15th.

Last season at the Bescot Barnsley were so close to the 3 points after leading 2-1 through goals from Tony Vaughan and Barry Conlon. A last minute Darren Wrack goal however ensured the spoils were shared.

Both teams are now on very poor from yet are both playing for different reasons.

Walsall's 3-1 defeat at Huddersfield ( the team Barnsley will get in the play-offs if they win today) saw the Saddlers relegated to League Two, however a 2-1 victory at Gillingham last weekend gives Walsall fans optimims for next season. Walsall have also this week unveiled Richard Money as their new manager and the players will be trying to impress.

The win at Gillingham though was Walsall's first in 9 games.

Barnsley's form is even worse with just 1 victory in 11 games yet victory today will secure a play-off berth.

Last 6 Walsall v Barnsley results:

17/1/06 Walsall 2-0 Barnsley (FA Cup)

7/1/06 Barnsley 1-1 Walsall (FA Cup)

29/10/05 Barnsley 2-1 Walsall (League One)

28/3/05 Barnsley 3-2 Walsall (League One)

21/8/04 Barnsley 2-2 Walsall (League One)

16/3/02 Walsall 2-1 Barnsley (Division One)

Overall:

Walsall Wins: 14

Barnsley Wins: 13

Draws: 13

Goals:

Walsall: 66

Barnsley: 62

Last 6 2005-2006 results:

Walsall

29/4/06 Gillingam 1-2 Walsall (League One)

22/4/06 Huddersfield 3-1 Walsall (League One)

17/4/06 Doncaster 1-0 Walsall (League One)

15/4/06 Walsall 1-1 Port Vale (League One)

11/4/06 Walsall 0-1 Bournemouth (League One)

8/4/06 Walsall 0-3 Bristol City (League One)

Barnsley

29/4/06 Barnsley 0-0 Bradford (League One)

22/4/06 Blackpool 1-1 Barnsley (League One)

17/4/06 Barnsley 2-2 Southend (League One)

15/4/06 Oldham 0-3 Barnsley (League One)

8/4/06 Barnsley 1-1 Chesterfield (League One)

1/4/06 Huddersfield 1-0 Barnsley (League One)

Barnsley currently lie 5th in League One with 69 points from 45 games, 12 points above Walsall who lie 24th with 47 points from 45 games