A lacklustre Barnsley began their League One season, and Michael Duff’s reign as head coach, with a 1-0 loss at Plymouth Argyle.
The hosts took the lead just before half-time and created the better chances throughout, but the Reds hit the bar, missed a sitter and then were denied what looked a clean penalty in the second half. In all fairness but for wayward finishing and for Collins then Plymouth could have easily had five or six such was their dominance. However the reds could have easily come away with a point more had the penalty decision gone our way. Even though it ruins my week when we lose, I’m half glad that we didn’t come away with anything as it would have papered over the cracks and just looked like a good away result against a team who just missed out on the top six last season and have strengthened in the summer. Make no mistake, there is a lot of work to be done with this Barnsley team and we still need a few more signings in my opinion.
In truth Barnsley were awful as they struggled to control the game while often looking vulnerable at the back against a side who finished seventh last season with 80 points and look likely to be challenging towards the top end of the table again this season.
The hosts should have taken the lead in the ninth minute when, after a scramble in the box following Finn Azaz’s right-wing free-kick, Joe Edwards rattled the crossbar from six yards out. Adam Randell then shot wide from just outside the box after Brad Collins punched away a corner.
Plymouth missed another big chance after half an hour when Josh Benson, who probably had his worst game for Barnsley and he’s had some bad ones, lost the ball and Danny Mayor played Azaz clean through but Collins made an impressive one-on-one block.
Barnsley, who had defended for most of the first 35 minutes, should have taken the lead with their first chance. Cadden’s fine left-wing cross was volleyed onto the bar by Aitchison six yards out then Benson looked certain to score the rebound but shot against Macauley Gillesphey. I’ve still no idea how he missed but that just summed up his performance.
Plymouth then had a flurry of chances. Jordan Williams brilliantly blocked in the box from Edwards, then Mayor fell to the ground while shooting following contact from Andersen but the weak shot was saved and no penalty given, before Cundy misjudged a long ball but got back to block Ryan Hardie’s shot who was clean through. Cundy’s recovery was brilliant but there is no way he should have allowed his opponent to get in to that position in the first place.
The goal came just before the break when Bali Mumba’s low cross was slammed home just inside the box by Azaz into the top right corner.
Cundy was rightly taken off after a difficult first half and replaced by another debutant Conor McCarthy who faired slightly better but nothing to write home about.
Barnsley were better at the start of the second half, with Mads Andersen heading a Connell corner wide.
Aitchison then went clean through and was denied by one-on-one by Michael Cooper. Defender Dan Scarr clearly pushed Aitchison in the back as he shot and Barnsley wanted a penalty. It was a clear penalty. I can only think that the ref didn’t give it because he got his shot away. The push however did mean he didn’t make a clean connection and a penalty should have been given and possibly a red card too. I am convinced he would have scored had he not been impeded.
Edwards missed two big chances for 2-0, scooping over eight yards out after a fine run on the left and cross by Mumba, then firing high from slightly further out after Mayor crossed from the left.
Duff brought off Benson and Cole, both of whom were poor, for Luke Thomas and debutant James Norwood, who held the ball up well when he came on and showed strength and leadership, I expect him to be starting as soon as he is fit enough to.
Mumba, who was excellent, beat Williams in the box then saw an effort from a tight angle turned behind by Collins, who also caught a later effort by home substitute Morgan Whittaker.
Barnsley applied pressure towards the end and almost levelled when Cadden’s corner was turned towards goal but the ball was hooked off the line despite it looking over the line to my Barnsley biased eye but whether there was goal line technology remains a mystery as the iFollow commentators had no idea between them. Neither did I so I’m not slating them when I say that as I think they do a great job.
Barnsley (3-5-2): Collins: Andersen, Cundy (McCarthy HT), Kitching; Williams, Benson (Thomas 61mins), Connell (Wolfe 77), Styles, Cadden; Aitchison (Marsh 72), Cole (Norwood 61)
Unused: Walton, Moon, Wolfe.
Yellow cards: Cadden, Styles.
Plymouth (3-4-2-1): Cooper; Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey; Edwards Randell, Butcher, Mumba; Mayor, Azaz (Ennis 77); Hardie (Whittaker 77).
Unused: Burton, Ennis, Whittaker, Lonwijk, Galloway, Jephcott, Endacott.
