Barnsley 1-0 Gillingham

The performances aren’t pretty down at Oakwell these days but last night’s three point haul against a pretty poor Gillingham side propelled The Reds back into the play-off places ( somewhere all Reds fans dream we will be come May).

Chris Shuker’s good finish after 15 minutes proved enough to settle a contest that never really got off the ground.

Gillingham had yet to win away from their Priestfield Stadium home and seemed content to soak up pressure whilst trying to hit The Reds on the break.

Their plan should have come undone just 3 minutes in.

Shuker’s ball saw Wright beat the offside and surge through but just like at Chesterfield he lost his nerve and shot straight into the mid-drift of Gills keeper Jason Brown.

Wright did have the ball in the net a minute later as he rose above Brent Sancho to head home a Paul Hayes cross, unfortunately the referee blew for a foul that looked extremely harsh.

Gillingham then started to threaten.

Firstly Neil Harris clearly clattered into Colgan and kicked the ball out of his hands, the ball rolled out of play and amazingly referee Kevin Friend awarded a corner.

Danny Jackman ( who was smaller than Shuker but had him in his pocket all game) curled the corner towards goal and Colgan had to knock it over the bar.

Barnsley though grabbed the all important goal after 15 minutes.

Robbie Williams slipped the ball to Hayes who’s lovely backheel saw Shuker all on his own inside the area and he absolutely lashed the ball home.

Gillingham still stuck their gamelan though and tried to utilise Darren Byfield’s pace and strength but Paul Reid stood up tremendously well.

Martin Devaney’s subdued evening was cut short after 41 minutes.

He looked to have been struggling with a knock and finally made way for Marc Richards. Richards went up front with Wright and Hayes dropped onto the left hand side of midfield.

The Reds though changed their formation again at half-time. Robbie Williams who had been doubtful before the game stayed off and Richard Kell stepped on for his first competitive 45 minutes since April.

Due to this change The Reds went 3-5-2 for the second half.

Hayes really came to life on the left and his ball seemed to have released Wright again but Leon Johnson made a great challenge to deny the former Blackpool star.

With the score still only 1-0 you knew Gillingham weren’t out of it and they more or less did a Huddersfield and bossed the second half but this time there was no way through.

More of their efforts were long balls aimed high into the area but the closest they came was 7 minutes from time when Johnson met one of those balls but sent his header agonizingly wide.

Substitute Daniel Nardiello did have a chance to put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time when Shuker put him in but he blasted it straight at Brown.

Again there was nothing much to write home about, but Oldham’s defeat at Blackpool has slotted The Reds back into 6^th with a game still in hand of a couple of chasing teams.

I think the record now stands at 1 defeat in 18, something not to be sniffed at, its now time to turn a few more of those draws into wins.

Player Ratings:

Nick Colgan: Was rarely troubled all night despite Gillingham having more of the ball in the second half. Can’t remember him having one worthwhile save to make. Will be extremely pleased with his 11^th clean sheet of the season. 6

Robbie Williams: Neat and tidy first half, taken off at half-time, presumably with an injury as Barnsley went to three at the back. Subbed. 6

Paul Reid: The only one of the back four ( and then three second half) that hasn’t come through the Oakwell Academy. His experience shown like a beacon last night. Held the defence together under later Gillingham pressure. 7

Neil Austin: Another great display from “ Aussie”. His tackling, passing and work-rate was spot on. 8

Dale Tonge: Had a bit of a stinker first half as he constantly lost possession in dangerous areas. Redeemed himself second half with his tackling spot-on. 7

Chris Shuker: Took his goal superbly but to be fair he did have a shocker. His marker Danny Jackman was even smaller than him, but he had Shuker in his pocket all night. Sorry “Shukes” but I think it’s time for a stint on the bench. 4

Jacob Burns: Does he ever have a bad game. Again covered every blade of grass, with the only gripe if I have to have one is the fact that even though McPhail and Kell were behind him second half he still didn’t seem inclined to push forward. 7

Stephen McPhail: A much better display after Saturday. It wasn’t vintage McPhail, but how many times have we actually seen that since he arrived. He put his foot on the ball and made space around him. 7

Martin Devaney: Looked to be carrying a knock from kick-off, succumbed to it and was subbed after 41 minutes. Subbed. 5

Paul Hayes: Terrific display. His lovely flick put in Shuker for the goal and he was even better second half when moved to the wing. His mazy runs and willingness to chase the ball really typified the spirit at the club. Excellent. 9

Tommy Wright: Again missed a couple of sitters, but when this boy finds his scoring touch he will be good signing. Won nearly every aerial battle and has pace to burn. Just needs to put away those ones-on-ones! Subbed. 7

Substitutes:

Marc Richards ( for Devaney 41) Again didn’t impressed, missed two good headed chances and generally strolled around. 5

Richard Kell ( for Williams 45) Good to see him get 45 minutes under his belt. Was composed on the ball and seemed to know what he was doing. 7

Daniel Nardiello ( for Wright 75) Missed a decent chance late on but failed to get with the pace of the game. 6

Unused: Scott Flinders, Ryan Laight

Sponsors Man of The Match: Paul Reid

Barnsley Boy’s Man of The Match: Reid was a worthy recipient but Hayes gets my vote after a stunning second half in a unfamiliar position.

Coca Cola League One Results: Tuesday 10^th January 2006

Barnsley 1-0 Gillingham

Blackpool 1-0 Oldham

Rotherham 1-1 Port Vale

Scunthorpe 2-2 Huddersfield

Swansea 3-1 Milton Keynes Dons