Changes Cost Reds

Barnsley went down 3-2 to a Bolton Wanderers side who are riding on the crest of a wave at present.

Flicker looked to get the reds back to a 3-5-2 with wing backs which has worked well since he took over, Etuhu started at right wing back and Cywka on the left. The other suprise selection was O’Grady coming in for Harewood. I have to wonder why it was O’Grady and not Jason Scotland??

We were outplayed in the first half. We conceded to a Ngog goal, it did look like a Barnsley defender was blocked in the build up. I await the replay on this.

Jay Spearing then doubled the visitors advantage when he fired home from 20 yards.

Our only option looked to be from corners in the first half, however Jim O’Brien delivered three of these straight into the arms of Bogdan.

Barnsley came out and appeared to be set up in a more positive structure after the break. We were rewarded early in the second half When Cywka cut inside and struck a firm short past Bogdan from the edge of the box.

Barnsley were level 5 minutes later, a shot was fired in which was too hot for the keeper to hold onto and O’Grady pounced to fire home from close range.

The lead would be short lived, Bolton won a free kick and when Luke Steele failed to hold this, Craig Dawson was on hand to Bolton back infront. I do feel that Steele will be disappointed.

Moments later and Jim O’Brien fund himself one on one with Bogdan after being played in. He placed his effort straight at the Bolton stopper.

Barnsley worked hard late on, Jacob Mellis at the middle of the good Barnsley work. Though we could not get the breakthrough.
What are your thoughts on the game? Comments below please!

Player Ratings

Steele
Pulled off 3 worldy’s. I Imagines that Steele is Gutted at spilling the free kick which lead to the Bolton Winner.
Rating 6

Etuhu
Tried but was totally out of place at right wing back, positional sense was lacking and never looked a threat coming forward.
Rating 4

Wiseman
Steady, however the fact we conceded 3 goals gives me cause for concern.
Rating 6

Cranie
Tough day for the defence, the physical game of bolton tested out back four.
Rating 6

Kennedy
Looked much more comfortable in the last 20 minutes when he moved into a more advanced role down the left. Gave away the free kick which lead to the Trotters winner.
Rating 6

Cywka
Some decent work down the left and came inside well late on, got is goal. I feel that he gives Flicker formation options.
Rating 7

Tunnicliffe
Gave his all for the team and the lad appears very committed in what he has come to. Clear to see his quality on the ball and positional sense, did give the ball away a couple of times.
Rating 7

O’Brien
Lack of pace was clear to see. fans were frustrated at 3 first half corners which he fed to the keeper in the first half. Also guilty of the miss when 1-1 with the keeper.
Rating 5

Perkins
Worked all afternoon in the midfield. Some good flashes, I just feel Perks empathises what Flicker and Micky Mellon are looking to instil.

Rating 7

Daganll
Worked the line, lots of work without getting any clear chances.
Rating 6

O’Grady
Did Ok holding the ball up and got a goal for his efforts.
Rating 7

Harewood
Came on and attempted to make a difference with limited success.
Rating 6

Scotland
Came on a played in the hole?? Some good touches and distribution. The hole position for a natural goals scorer is a concern.
Rating 6

Most impressive Barnsley player, came on a made a difference. When Mellis is in the mood and wants to work he is quality. For me a most naturally gifted footballer.
Rating 8

Manager Rating
Lat few games the formation has required changing early on. The lads are playing for Flicker no doubt in that. We need to bring in a wing back.
Dont Worry, be Happy, Cause Every Little Things, Gonna Be OK

Opponent Rating
I thought they were one of the better teams I have seen and on paper they look a good team.