Barnsley Flashback

Barnsley v Wimbledon – Saturday 28th February 1998

Ten years ago today saw the Reds take on the Dons in a premier league clash at Oakwell. Barnsley emerged victorious thanks to two goals from the Norwegian striker Jan Aage Fjortoft and the away side were only able to half the deficit thanks to a thumping header from Jason Euell.

Here`s how the teams lined up exactly a decade ago;

Barnsley: Watson, Eaden, Barnard, Markstedt, Moses, Morgan, Bosancic, Redfearn, Marcelle, Ward, Fjortoft.

Wimbledon: Sullivan, Cunningham, Jones, Blackwell, Thatcher, Perry, Hughes, Ardley, Castledine, Euell, Leaburn.

Looking back I do feel a lot of sympathy for those diehard Wimbledon supporters who watched on helplessly as their club slipped away in the later years. Wimbledon were a fine example of surviving in the premier league by producing great youngsters via their academy, and not spending ridiculous amounts of money. However the financial requirements of the top flight soon caught up with the London club which then led to the controversial decision to relocate to Milton Keynes. Starting a new club (Milton Keynes Dons) and dismissing all past links with Wimbledon F.C.

No matter how fierce rivalries may be, no true football supporter whose club means the world to them would like to see a fellow fan`s club disappear into the mists of time.

Meanwhile, good luck to AFC Wimbledon who are currently second in the Ryman Premier Division.