Oakwell Stadium, home of Barnsley FC based in South Yorkshire and play their trade in League One. Nicknamed the “Tykes” which is a Yorkshire term for hardworking.
My second visit to this ground with the first one being when they were in the Championship but this time they’re in League One which is still a tradition at this club going up to the Championship fighting relegation but fighting for promotion when they failed to stay in the Championship, will they get themselves back up there this season?
Tonight, Barnsley face Bristol Rovers who got themselves back into League One on the last day of the season. It’s the second time I’ll be getting a free ticket to the game but not from the Merry Miller this time who couldn’t make the game tonight but from a season ticket holder friend who also couldn’t make tonight. The perks of having football friends eh?
Training duties are all done for the night and off I go onto the M1 and into Barnsley, here I am… Where do I park…? Oh here we are! A bit of a walk but hey ho. Now for the walk. A lovely view of Oakwell from here I must say! About 10 minutes later and here I am at the ground!
Free Entry for this League One tie! Sensational! I certainly hope the game is as good as last time I visited in that 5-3 win vs QPR! A good view of the pitch once again like last time! Kick off draws nearer as the famous Timerider song: Cocoon echoes around the ground… I’m sure the fans have performed it better in the past… I certainly don’t think the pouring rain has helped one bit mind…
Kick Off! 3 minutes in and Barnsley come forward from the left with Callum Styles, he plays a through ball to Devante Cole in the box on the left, he gets to the six yard line and goes for goal at a tight angle… But he gets it!!! What a start for Barnsley!! Good finish! Barnsley lead! 1-0!
“YOU REDS!” Barnsley fans in good spirits here! 2 minutes later and here come Barnsley again, the ball is played forward and flicked on to Jack Aitchison who drives into the box on the left, he makes space for the shot… Over!
Barnsley have been different class in the opening stages of this game so far and are looking for more goals. 10th minute now and Bristol Rovers come forward this time, a good bit of passing play sees John Marquis has some space in the box on the right to shoot… Blocked! It comes to Harry Anderson on the edge of the box to volley… Wide!
1 minute later and Barnsley play a ball over the top for Devante Cole, no flag here, the keeper charges out of his box… Cole gets there first and tries to go around him… But the keeper gets a touch and Rovers are reprieved for now. Barnsley fans are all asking the same question: “Why didn’t he shoot!?” Me too.
1 minute after that and Barnsley have a free kick on the left near the corner flag, it’s played short, Josh Benson has it now and he plays it to Jordan Williams, 35 yards out and he goes for goal… Deflected… AND IT’S IN!!! How’s your luck!? It’s no more than Barnsley have deserved! 2-0! Brilliant goal!
15 minutes on the clock and Barnsley are all over Bristol Rovers here! The ball is played to Devante Cole who drives into the box, he plays it across looking for Luca Connell… The Rovers defender gets there but Connell might get a shot at it… He DOES… Good save! BArnsley go on to win a corner, in it comes… The ehader from Josh Benson… Wide!
Barnsley come again minutes later, it’s played to Callum Styles who drives forward, 25 yards out and he shoots… Brilliant save! But what a fierce shot that was! That would have taken the net off!
Barnsley have taken the foot off the gas now… No pun intended! But are looking very comfortable with the lead! “Goodnight Irene! Goodnight Irene! I’ll see you in my dreams!” 2-0 down but still in good spirits are the Bristol Rovers fans!
44th minute and Bristol Rovers come forward, it’s played to Aaron Collins in the box on the left, he plays it across looking for John Marquis… The keeper gets to it… And he holds on. Barnsley lead 2-0 at half time.
Second half and I’ve managed to get into the bottom tier this time for a different view of the game! “Goodnight Irene!” Bristol Rovers fans still going for it. “We forgot that you were here!” Barnsley fans respond.
55th minute and Barnsley come forward… But Rovers stop the attack and the keeper hits it away but it’s come to Josh Benson who chests it down and goes for goal from 25 yards… BANG! Eat that! Barnsley have a third! Another brilliant goal! 3-0! That should be the points for Barnsley!
61 minutes now and Bristol Rovers have the ball at the back and it’s played back to the keeper… But there’s not enough on that and here comes Luke Thomas and he’ll get there first… But the keeper gets a hand to it and Thomas might get a second crack at it… But Rovers get to it and clear.
Barnsley have well and truly taken their foot of the gas and Rovers are starting to attack the Barnsley goal as the half goes on… But the scoreline doesn’t change and Barnsley seal the deal!
FT: Barnsley 3-0 Bristol Rovers
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 5/10 – Average I have to say… Don’t know if the weather had helped that but it wasn’t the loudest I’ve been amongst.
- The Ground: 8/10 – A bit harsh last time, it’s a great ground! A bit of character on one side along with a great view of Barnsley from the top tier and it’s also got one of the biggest away ends in the country, it’s a fabulous ground!
- Expense: 10/10 – Free ticket, no fuel and £4 for a hot dog! Worth it? Oh yes!
- Overall Experience: 7/10 – Not as good a game as last time but I’m certainly glad I visited again!
30/40 – Same as last time!