Match report

2 – 2 is becoming a common score-line for us this season and not always to our satisfaction, but away from home against a form team in the division this one has to be looked upon as a point gained rather than another two thrown away. And in a position of adversity with one man sent off, it was certainly an achievement to bounce back for a point. But most encouraging was the sense that we have learned a little from some of our previous disappointments. Even with 10 men we did not encamp on our 18 yard line trying to a “Custer’s last stand”, but instead kept pressing forward in search of a winner. And we even used some tactical substitutes to bring fresh legs to the tiring team. In the end, we were rewarded with a creditable point.

The team was little changed from last week, with O’Leary coming into the side at centre half in place of the injured Austin. Monk was alongside him, with Ricketts and Williams at full back. Robinson and Tate were in centre midfield, with Britton and McLeod wide right and left respectively. Gueret retained his place in goal, with Trundle and Fallon up front.

In a post match interview, Barnsley manager Andy Richie claimed his side would have the game wrapped up at half time had they taken their chances. In one sense he was right, but he overlooked the fact that most of their chances were gifted to them either by our slightly hesitant defence or by the referee. There were four in all in the first half. On 9 minutes, with Williams and Monk AWOL, Martin Devaney found himself unmarked in front of an open goal. He contrived, remarkably, to balloon the ball over the bar. A miss of “Rosenthal” proportions. Seven minutes later Marc Richards fashioned an excellent strike on goal, volleying towards the corner only to be foiled by a superb reflex save by Willy. But the Swans defence was rightly outraged, as Richards had most clearly pushed Monk in the back in order to give himself the space to control the cross. Willy’s save was justice served.

Another chance was presented to the hapless Devaney on 25 minutes when Willy inexplicably skied a back pass, ballooning the ball to the Barnsley winger some 35 yards out – but he managed to volley wide of a second gaping goalmouth. A player who always seemed to destroy us for Cheltenham, was giving us a lifeline today. And finally, a terrific free kick from Nardiello (remember him?) was well tipped over from Gueret. But it was a free kick given for the slightest of contacts, and which again brought a frustrated response from our defence.

But what Richie failed to mention was that for much of the first half we controlled possession and played by far the more assured football. Our midfield was battling hard, Fallon was linking play excellently, and Trundle was tormenting the home defence with his trickery and vision. And so we created a few chances of our own. Robinson tested the keeper with a low drive, and following a Swans corner, Fallon hit the side netting from close range after an excellent flick on from McLeod. Ricketts also made an excellent surging run after a neat through ball from Britton, and tested the keeper with a low shot which was almost fumbled. Trundle also had a low effort which was deflected then saved, and a quick free kick almost freed Robinson, but his shot was blocked at close range. Our efforts were also characterised by the generation of a lot of width on our left side, with McLeod finding himself in acres of space. Generally, it was Trundle and Tate who were feeding him with a regular supply of balls to the wing, but unfortunately he seemed to lack conviction, and his delivery into the box was not of the quality which Fallon’s efforts deserved.

But at half time were feeling confident – if we could cut out the errors and show a little more composure in midfield, we could certainly take this one. And the half started in positive vein with the Swans generating plenty of early pressure. This was rewarded on 48 minutes when we took the lead. Typifying his performance, Fallon won a high ball to him, and then chased it towards the touchline before laying the ball back to Tate. He then crossed first time into the box, and Robinson seized on the ball, and managed, somehow, to snaffle the ball into the goal. The 450 or so Jacks had struggled to see whether the ball had gone in, and only Robbo’s celebration told us he had scored. I will have to watch it on the telly tomorrow to work out precisely how he scored it!. We now deserved the lead, and pressed forward in search of a second. On 54 minutes a lovely through ball freed Britton in a one on one situation with the keeper, Unfortunately, Leon’s touch deserted him, and the keeper managed to smother the ball. With Swans players committed forward, a long high ball over our back four managed to catch us out. Our defenders were slow to turn, and with more than a hint of off-side, Nardiello cantered through on goal and fired past a retreating Willy. His goal celebration was typical of his status as a former Man Utd trainee, running towards the Swans fans and blatantly goading us. He was rightly booked for his attitude, and probably fortunate that this particular Swans contingent was more intent on positive support than a violent response.

Fleetingly, we looked as though we might steal the lead back when on 57 minutes the ball broke to Britton, with goalie out of position. Unfortunately, his attempt to score from 40 yards flew just wide. And then the game turned against us. Another long punt over our defence caught out Kris O’Leary who suddenly found himself chasing the heels of Marc Richard who was bearing down on Willy. Whether there was some minimal contact I cannot be sure, but Richards chose to dump himself onto the ground rather than backing his chances of beating Willy. This brought a double whammy for Barnsley, as not only was the penalty despatched effectively by Richards himself, O’Leary also found himself, very unfortunately, shown a red card.

Many a Swans team may have capitulated at this point, as the lame home support suddenly burst into life and their team seemed enervated and confident. But we kept our nerve well, kept our shape, and kept pushing forward to get back into the game. And this brought its reward on 63 minutes with another of the season’s golden moments. The ball was played through by Britton to Trundle on the left side of the penalty area. Trundle controlled the ball, and cut the ball back onto his left foot,. He ghosted past one defender before unleashing a tremendous left foot drive from and acute angle which flew past the keeper’s despairing dive into the corner of the net. This was a truly magnificent strike – a moment of pure class. His celebration is now becoming legendary – standing stock still and waiting for the acclaim of his delighted team mates. The home fans silenced again.

At this point we were convinced that it would be backs to the wall for the remaining 20 minutes, and with a man short this could have been forgiven. But we did not lose our shape or our desire to get forward, and the last 25 minutes or so was fairly even. Our cause was helped by some useful substitutions. Forbes replaced McLeod whose second half contribution was negligible; and later Way and Martinez replaced the tiring Britton and Trundle. Remarkable what fresh legs can do. In these final stages Barnsley had a few half chances but failed to craft anything clear cut. One error by Monk almost let Nardiello in, but this time he chipped well over. There were a couple of long range efforts from the home side, but Gueret handled them easily. Late in the game the ball nearly ran for Nardiello in the box but again Gueret was out smartly to deny him. But the Swans also had some half chances during these latter stages. Forbes lashed a shot wide from distance, and Trundle curled a late shot well over. At the final whistle, the Swans players milked deserved applause from the travelling fans. It was a performance full of character, determination and no little skill.

Ratings

Gueret – 8 Excellent saves kept us in it first half
Ricketts – 7 Tidy game
Williams – 7 As above
Monk – 6 Turned a little to easily but otherwise solid
O’Leary – 6 Unlucky to be sent off
Britton – 7 energetic performance, but as against Huddersfield he could have sealed it.
McLeod – 6 Good positions, but final delivery poor
Robinson – 6 Not his best performance, but his eye for goal is excellent
Tate – 8 Good contribution in midfield or defence; tired a little
Fallon – 8 Won everything in the air, excellent link play and great all round contribution
Trundle – 8 (MOM) some lovely trickery, excellent vision to pick out McLeod, terrorised the defence and scored a blinder.

Forbes – 7 Provided fresh impetus in the latter stages
Way and Martinez – not on long enough for ratings, but Martinez’ influence was steadying.

Jackett/Nugent – well done for keeping the faith and using the resources at their disposal.


This performance should be a confidence builder for the team, and hopefully they will now kick on and produce a winning run. There are certainly a few “easier” games coming up and points are there for the taking. This was an encouraging and characterful performances from the side, and shows that apart from anything else, we are becoming very hard to beat. With Colchester slipping maybe the double (pr even treble) dream is still on! And well done to the excellent travelling support today – positive singing and no trouble. A good day out in South Yorkshire!

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Barnsley: Colgan, Austin, Reid, Carbon, Heckingbottom, Shuker (McParland 85), Kay, McPhail, Devaney (Hayes 74), Nardiello, Richards.
Subs Not Used: Flinders, Williams, Wright.

Booked: Devaney, Heckingbottom, Nardiello, Carbon.

Goals: Nardiello 56, Richards 61 pen.

Swansea: Gueret, Ricketts, Monk, Tate, Williams, Britton (Martinez 88), Robinson, O'Leary, McLeod (Forbes 80), Fallon, Trundle (Way 90).
Subs Not Used: Akinfenwa, Knight.

Sent Off: O'Leary (59).

Booked: Fallon, Monk.

Goals: Robinson 48, Trundle 64.

Att: 9,743

Ref: J Moss (West Yorkshire).




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