Barnsley 0 Tranmere Rovers 0

Last updated : 11 September 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Under-achieving Barnsley remain in the bottom five after picking up only a point against in-form Tranmere at Oakwell.

Barnsley, one of the pre-season favourites, have so far failed to impress and although they managed to record they first clean sheet in the league in the season, they also failed to find the net for the first time.

But they did feel aggrieved when referee Clattenberg failed to send off Tranmere goalkeeper John Achterberg when he brought down Barry Conlon outside the box in the 25th minute.

The referee only flourished the yellow card when everyone in the ground expected red.

The first half was very poor, with both sides struggling to create any chances. The best opening, and the one which should have earned Barnsley all three points, fell to their on-loan striker Michael Chopra four minutes into the second half.

He was presented with a golden chance after a mix-up in the Rovers defence but with only Achterberg to beat from 12 yards the striker saw his shot well-parried.

Nicky Wroe then brought a terrific tip-over save from Achterberg before Tranmere produced their one real threat of the match, midfielder Paul Hall heading against the crossbar following a deep cross from Gareth Roberts.

Only when substitute Daniel Nardiello came on with 14 minutes remaining did Barnsley look as if they might snatch victory. The Manchester United man, on a season-long loan at Oakwell, twice went close with good efforts.