The Opponent: Barnsley
After another good win on the road we continue with our own the road theme with a journey up to Yorkshire in search of another 3 points to add to our decent start to the season. Just 1 defeat in League 1 so far this season suggests we will be difficult to beat and the encouraging form of all 3 of our strikers has probably been the surprise of the season for me. I’m sure a few amongst us thought Obika and Williams would be lucky to manage 4 for the season.
The first reference to Barnsley occurs in 1086 in the Doomsday Book, in which it is called 'Berneslai' and has a population of around 200. The origin of the name Barnsley is subject to debate, but Barnsley Council claims that its origins lie in the Saxon word "Berne", for barn or storehouse, and "Lay”, for field. Barnsley is notable as a former industrial town centred on coal mining and glassmaking although in the town few factories remain, notably the glassworks and coking plant. Although the industries declined in the 20th century, Barnsley's culture is rooted in its industrial heritage. Barnsley has a tradition of brass bands, originally created as social clubs for its mining communities. Hopefully none of these brass bands are represented at Oakwell later today.
Some well known folk with Barnsley blood include former cricketer and commentator Darren Gough, Legendary umpire Dickie Bird, former chat show host and now “Are you over 50?” advert star Michael Parkinson, Cyclist Ed Clancy, Socialism’s very own Arthur Scargill, Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy and footballers Brian and Jimmy Greenhoff
Last Time Out – Saturday 20th September – Port Vale 2 Barnsley 1 - Port Vale ended a run of six successive defeats as Mark Marshall's (yes him) late goal gave them a deserved win over Barnsley. He was lively from the outset and goalkeeper Ross Turnbull had to make a number of saves before being beaten by Michael O'Connor's superb free kick. Conor Hourihane levelled from the spot after he was bundled over, but Jordan Slew fired over the bar when he was fouled and Vale were awarded a penalty. Marshall cut inside and beat two men before firing home to seal the win and continue Danny Wilson’s Barnsley to just 1 point out of the last 9.
Starting XI – Turnbull, Mvoto, Nyatanga, Dudgeon, Brown (Bree), Treacy (Winnall), Jennings, Cranie, Hourihane, Lita (Bailey), Cole
They have served us both – Sep Atterbury, Billy Batty, William Batty, Michael Reddy, Mark Robinson, Arthur Ruddlesdin, Nile Ranger, Fola Onibuje, Jay McEveley, Frank Nouble, Albert Milton, Ray McHale, Alfred Brown, Danny Blanchflower, Tommy Birtles, David Lucas, Don McPhail, Harry May, Ken Lambert, Jack Lavery, Tommy Little, Deon Burton, Lewis Clayton, harry Cope, Jamie Cureton, Charlie Dowdall, Rory Fallon, Frank Heppinstall, Matt Hewlett, Brian Howard, Paul Hart, Bart Griemink, Jimmy Gill, Jake Findlay, Jan Fjortoft, David Geddis, Ian Woan, Paul Walker, George Travers, Dick Rushton, Billy Silto, Carl Tiler, Danny Wilson, Tony Warner
One From The Past – February 12th 2005 – Swindon 2 Barnsley 1 – Att 5’511 (334 away fans). Goals either side of half time from Super Sammy Parkin were enough to give us the 3 points on the day. One notable future star on our teamsheet that day was none other than Jamie Slabber.
The Odds – Barnsley 7/4 Draw 13/5 Swindon 13/8
The Son Says – .Seeing as they have just come down from The Championship he is expecting an uphill battle (I told him about the uphill battle leaving the ground), 1-1.
The Prediction – Danny Wilson certainly seems to be working his magic on yet another Yorkshire footballing outfit and if they carry on their recent form it is going to be a very long season for them. 1-3, goals from Smith (2) and Nathan Byrne.
And Finally – The first bottle bank for glass recycling collection in the United Kingdom was introduced by both Stanley Race CBE, then president of the Glass Manufacturers' Federation and Ron England in Barnsley. Fingers crossed the home team bottle it today.
