Barnsley 1 Doncaster Rovers 3

Last updated : 20 October 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Barnsley fans chanted for the head of under-fire manager Paul Hart after seeing their side slump to a deeply disappointing derby defeat at the hands of Doncaster.

It was the first time the two sides had met in a league fixture at Oakwell since 1979 - and it was Rovers who emerged with the spoils.

Barnsley had only themselves to blame, missing a host of good chances, particularly in the first half and then contributing two own goals to Doncaster's tally.

That led to chants of "we want Hart out" from the furious home supporters.

Barnsley had started brightly and rather ironically after three consecutive poor performances they played some decent football in the opening 45 minutes.

But Doncaster made their intentions clear right from the start when a shocking challenge from midfielder John Doolan on Stephen McPhail led to the Republic of Ireland star being stretchered off after just five minutes with medial knee ligament damage.

Barnsley recovered to create a number of good chances, with on loan striker Michael Chopra missing at least a hat-trick of opportunities.

Chris Shuker also chipped agonisingly wide as Barnsley had the edge.

However, in first-half stoppage time Doncaster broke away and a low cross from Jermaine McSporran was turned into his own goal by defender Paul Reid.

Rovers then enjoyed a double whammy early in the second period, when striker Gregg Blundell struck from close range on 57 minutes and then another own goal, this time from Barnsley skipper Tony Vaughan in the 59th minute, put the visitors firmly in the driving seat.

Barnsley did show spirit and Barry Conlon headed against the bar, while Chopra had an effort cleared off the line before the on-loan man reduced the arrears on 71 minutes.

The home side lost Jacob Burns 13 minutes from time, the Aussie sent off for a second bookable offence. But in a fiery contest Doncaster also finished with ten men when former Barnsley player Ricky Ravenhill was shown a straight red card for violent conduct.