The Super Reds recovered from Saturday’s humiliation at home to Lincoln to leave Cumbria with all three points. The reds had to come from behind yet again but secured a 3 – 2 victory.
It was another slow start from Barnsley who fell behind. The reds found their feet and began to dominate with goals from Williams, McAtee and Russell giving them a bit of a cushion. But the reds had to endure a nervy end and defend a Carlisle set piece bombardment before coming away as eventual 3 – 2 victors.
The result was what was important in this one and a few players were able to get the rest that they have needed for a few games now.
Williams scored an absolute screamer for the Barnsley opener. The skipper was moved back in to the back three for this one and overall had a good game but was at fault for the Carlisle second. It was a shame to see Williams having to move back in to the back three. He had been playing really well at wing back, barring the Lincoln game, and had seemed to have regained his confidence as well. But with Pines out injured and the back three all at sea with McCart in centre of it against Lincoln then Collins really didn’t have much choice with this. O’Keeffe’s recent improved form also meant that it was an inevitable selection.
The first goal that the reds conceded was even worse than the second in terms of the errors that lead to it. De Gevigney lost the header, not a mistake as such but one you would hope your main centre back would be winning. From then on O’Keeffe and Earl got the wrong side or lost their men completely to allow Carlisle to score a simple goal.
The constant slow starts are a big worry and we won’t keep coming from behind to win games, we need to tighten up at the back.
Connell was excellent with licence to get forward more than usual. He’s had a few below par games recently but he had an 89 per cent pass succession in this one despite constantly attempting ambitious forward passes. The selection of Russell allowed this to happen and although he started the game slowly, he grew in to it and played well and even scored. Despite the fact that at times Russell can be awful – too slow on and off the ball, immobile, can’t pass, I could go on… I think he should be the first cab off the rank if any of Connell, Kane or Phillips are unable to play. He gives the team a much better shape and structure and although the likes of Grant and Benson are better footballers, the team looks much better with Russell in ahead of those two.
Cosgrove and McAtee played well together up top with Cosgrove the provider for McAtee’s goal. Cole was certainly in need of a game or two rest and a few weeks ago it didn’t look like that would ever be possible but McAtee’s return to form and Cosgrove finding some form means that the manager now has three strikers fighting for selection.
Cheltenham up next at Oakwell on Saturday in what will be a much tougher game than this one. A win and clean sheet would be nice please Reds.
COYR
