Two more goals from Reds hero Daniel Bogdanovic gave them a deserved win over playoff candidates Nottingham Forest at Oakwell last night.
Luke Potter was the only real change from Saturday's 0-0 draw with Palace, replacing the injured Carl Dickinson at left-back. Luke Steele also returned from suspension to start in goal for the Reds.
A slow start by both sides saw just the one shot in the first ten minutes when Forest winger Chris Cohen sliced a volley wide from the edge of the area, then four minutes later with their first shot the Reds were ahead.
Dele Adebola led with an elbow and caught skipper Stephen Foster. Foster lined up to take the free-kick but it was taken over by Nathan Doyle who lifted towards Foster, the skipper flicked it on and the ball was headed away to Daniel Bogdanovic, who looped a header over Lee Camp from 16 yards.
The Reds continued to press and Camp had to be at his best to claw away Hammill's curling shot and Teixeira also went very close.
Adebola was being given far too much space by Ryan Shotton in particular and Foster did have to cover the Stoke loanee at times when Adebola got the better of him. Potter also looked a bit shaky on the left side of the Reds defence.
Hammill was disappointing as in previous weeks and his 25 minutes on the pitch were typified by the foul that earned him a yellow card. Bobby Hassell turned George Boyd with an outrageous turn and then played a raking ball out to Hammill, who tried to do too much and lost the ball to Robert Earnshaw and Hammill just clipped his ankles and earnt himself a yellow. He was replaced shortly after by Emil Hallfredsson after he picked up a hamstring injury.
Hallfredsson seemed to galvanise Potter and the youngster's game improved as he linked up well with the Icelandic winger.
The second half was a similar affair to the first with the Reds on top and the defence didn't look as shaky with Shotton and Foster showing the form of previous months. Teixeira looked very dangerous down the right for Barnsley and Macken was working his socks off.
The Reds really should have added a second shortly into the second half when a Hallfredsson corner fell to Foster, who was denied by a great tackle by Wes Morgan but the ball fell to Bogdanovic the Malta man in the form of his life, shot wide when he really should've hit the target.
On 65 minutes, the Reds had a great chance to double the lead. More good work between Macken and Teixeira saw the latter burst into the area and he was clumsily upended by Earnshaw. Despite much protest from the Forest players, Bogdanovic stepped up confidently and slotted the penalty into the bottom corner, sending Camp the wrong way.
Bogdanovic was then withdrawn to a massive ovation and replaced by the lacklustre Iain Hume. Forest then got a foothold in the game when a long free kick wasn't properly dealt with by the Barnsley defence and sub Dexter Blackstock bundled the ball into the net to give the Reds a nervy last 12 minutes.
Forest then organised a siege on the Reds goal with shots coming in from all angles including a free header which was straight at Steele. Then they had a goal controversially disallowed when Morgan was alleged to have fouled the Reds keeper when Earnshaw bagged, the goal was chalked off though.
The Reds held on however for a great win over the high flying Forest.
Player Ratings
Luke Steele - Looked solid except for one occasion when he stayed on his line as Forest attacked towards the end. 7
Bobby Hassell - Just quality. This bloke is an absolute Reds hero, he was absolutely immense last night, typified by a beautiful turn and stunning ball across the pitch to Hammill. 9
Ryan Shotton - Looked shaky in the first half and failed to deal with Adebola but improved after the break and dealt well with the Forest threat. 6
Stephen Foster - Very assured and hardly lost a ball all night, also provided the assist for Bogdanovic's first goal. 8
Luke Potter - Started poorly with some misdirected throw ins and rushed clearances but Hallfredsson brought some stability and composure to him. 6
Filipe Teixeira - Really dangerous down the right for the Reds and gave James Perch a torrid time, also won the penalty. 9
Nathan Doyle - Broke up the play superbly and supported Colace really, really well. Plays the simple pass instead of trying the impossible. 8
Hugo Colace - Also did well in the centre of midfield. Tigerish in the tackle and got forward well. 7
Adam Hammill - Largely poor, tried to do too much instead of find a simple pass. His game was summed up by a poor tackle on Earnshaw which earnt him a booking. Showed one flash of the class we know he has but his shot was well saved. Subbed. 5
Jon Macken - Absolutely worked his socks off. Chased everything and held the ball up brilliantly. Must start with Bogdanovic on Saturday. 7
Daniel Bogdanovic - Netted his 12th and 13th goals of the season and looked a real danger. Chased lost balls and made a menace of himself. Brought off to a standing ovation. Subbed. 8.5
Subs:
Emil Hallfredsson (For Adam Hammill 25) - Brought more of a threat in his time on the pitch than Hammill would have done. Ran at defenders and played nice passes. 7
Iain Hume (for Daniel Bogdanovic 74) - Looked knackered after first coming on! He failed to challenge many clearances and only won one ball in the air. 4
Unused: Preece, Thompson, Anderson, Gray, Butterfield.
Forest MOTM: Guy Moussi - Scored the winner in the clash in September and looked good in the midfield for Forest last night.
Tykesmad's Barnsley MOTM: I will have to agree with the sponsors. Filipe Teixeira was brilliant, struck real fear into the Forest defence and looked a constant menace, we have to get him permanently. Also a mention for Bobby Hassell, who seems to get better and better with another strong display.
Ref: Kevin Friend (Leicestershire): Very petty, gave needless free-kicks but gave us a penalty and disallowed a late Forest goal so gets a thumbs up from me! 7