Barnsley v Bristol City

The Super Reds overcame the dismissal of Bobby Hassell to hold out for a well-deserved 1 – 0 victory of inform Bristol City.

Barnsley began the match slowly but found their stride around the 15 minute mark and dominated the remainder of the first half.

The reds could have had the game secure by half time. The form they have shown at home so far this season has been terrific. Flowing attacking football, grit and determination, desire and passion.

Barnsley are still to concede a goal at home this season so just what is going on when they venture on their travels?

It took Barnsley a while to get into gear but it was worth the wait. Davies rattled the post when he cut in from the left. Cywka was the provider for this opportunity and he performed well throughout and looks to be a very good signing by Keith Hill.

Dagnall was the next to test the visitors` goal. His thunderous drive from the edge of the box forced goalkeeper Heaton into a good save. Dagnall worked tireless all afternoon. His work rate was tremendous; he closes down quickly and works hard for the team. He may not have the ability of someone like Cywka but his contribution was as important as anyone`s with his selfless running.

Heaton was forced into another save on 23 minutes, this one fairly routine, but it wasn`t long before he was called into action again. Cywka delivered for Davies to head goal wards only for Heaton to parry wide.

Barnsley were really taking the game to Bristol City now with Mellis bursting forward. His effort was just wide following a neat exchange with Dawson.

Half time came and Barnsley had somehow not found a way to break the deadlock. A crowd sensed that if they continued as they left off that it would only be a matter of time.

Five minutes into the second half and Barnsley got their reward. Davies spread the ball wide for Cranie who sent over the cross. Mellis rose and his header hammered the bar and into the roof of the net.

Barnsley suffered a huge blow moments later when Bobby Hassell was shown a straight red for what can only be described as a Nathan Doyle type challenge. Some referees may have only booked him but in this day and age you are always running the risk of a red. It was his first dismissal for Barnsley and considering the time he has been at the club that isn`t bad going so all is forgiven.

It was backs to the wall now for Barnsley. With most of the second half remaining they knew it would be a mammoth task to hold on to the three points that they deserved.

Hill made the changes in an effort to make the reds harder to break down. Stones for Mellis. Harewood for Davies.

Bristol City now began to threaten and chances came their way with Barnsley pegged back in their own half.

Barnsley stood strong as the onslaught continued. Bodies thrown between goal bound shots and good saves required from Alnwick in the Barnsley goal. Legs began to tire and the players were so desperate for the final whistle.

Having withstood the pressure for almost 40 minutes Barnsley carved out a chance for themselves. Stones intercepted on 87 minutes and broke forward. His ball found Harewood who had a great chance to make it two. Somehow the big striker didn`t get enough on it and his effort was cleared off the line.

Full time eventually came to give Barnsley a deserved three points. It was a never say die second half and overall a great performance from start to finish. They do like to make it hard for themselves though.