Oakwell, home of Barnsley FC and are based around a 10 minute walk away from Barnsley train station. Nicknamed the “Tykes” Barnsley had become a yo-yo club with relegations from the Championship and resulting promotions back from League 1 in recent times. 14th December 2019 and it’s the visit of QPR who were hovering around mid table whereas Barnsley were rooted bottom cut adrift of safety and were in desperate need of a win.
11am and I got a call from my mate the Merry Miller. “I’ve got us 2 free tickets for the Barnsley match pal!” How about that? Straight to the train station and off to Barnsley I went. With plenty of time to spare before kick off, let’s see what Barnsley town centre has to offer for Christmas time… Actually no let’s find a bar to watch the mighty Liverpool beat Watford. Annie Murray’s Irish Bar! How about it, beautiful bar which reminded me of the bars in Dublin. Liverpool won 2-0, great way to start my day! The Merry Miller arrived and off we went into Barnsley town centre. I must say for all the bad reputation it is given, it’s not a bad town, quite nice and plenty of festivities during Christmas time.
We eventually did make our way to the ground and arrived just in time. As previously mentioned, free ticket!! OH YEAH!! Kick Off! A bright start to the game for the home side and with 7 minutes on the timer, Jacob Brown fired a low ball across the middle and Conor Chaplin was there to put it away! What a start for the hosts! But QPR weren’t going to roll over too easily, they took advantage of some poor Barnsley defending as QPR’s Jordan Hugill got in behind the Barnsley defence, he went for goal… Off the post… but luckily for QPR, Luke Amos was there to finish the job! 1-1!
18 minutes on the clock now and a great response from Barnsley had won themselves a corner, ball comes in and straight through the crowd of players but nevertheless Conor Chaplin could retrieve it and OH WHAT A FINISH!!! 2-1! A thumping first time shot into the roof of the net and not even 20 minutes gone yet! The game did seem to dry up and the game stayed 2-1 at half time.
Second half, barnsley came straight out of the blocks again and were looking to double their lead. 52 minutes gone and Jacob Brown charged into the QPR box and fired at goal and parried by the goalkeeper, who’s going to get on that loose ball? Conor Chaplin is!!! He fired the ball into the net to complete his hat-trick. QPR came forward once more and Sami Radlinger was through at a tight angle with the keeper committed, shot saved but just like the first half, Luke Amos with the rebound and in! 3-2 now.
The game was as open as ever! Chance after chance by both teams, the next goal would be crucial. On the hour mark, Cauley Woodrow lead a dangerous attack and all he had to do was beat the last defender, he got into the box… “PENALTY!!” screamed the Barnsley fans, penalty it was said the Referee. Woodrow clearly on the end of a poorly timed challenge and he was given the responsibility of finishing it off, and he did!! 4-2!!
The game continued to provide end to end entertainment, more goals in this one I thought. 82 minutes gone and Barnsley had a free kick just inside the QPR half. A through ball to Jacob Brown who drove it low across the middle for Bambo Diaby to tap home!! Training ground at it’s best!! 5-2 and that should be that. It wasn’t… Ilias Chair scored a consolation in stoppage time and the game ended 5-3.
FT: Barnsley 5-3 QPR
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 5/10 – A fairly decent atmosphere but nothing to write home about sadly.
- The Ground: 6/10 – It’s a decent ground, had a great view from the top tier.
- Expense: 10/10 – Free tickets to see 8 goals and attack after attack! Could this be the best value for money ever?
- Overall Experience: 9/10 – We had a great day and the game but pay to that, even though we didn’t pay for the ticket! I had the chance to meet some QPR fans on the train back to Sheffield and had a great chat! Great day overall!
30/40
Pingback: Barnsley FC (1) - Topliss At The Turnstiles