Wycombe 2 – 2 Barnsley – Reaction

The Super Reds threw away a two-goal lead and two points as they surrendered their advantage in the dying minutes of this League One encounter.

Leading 2 – 0 with 87 minutes on the clock, the reds somehow managed to undo all that good work to draw a match that feels like a defeat.

Goals from Cleary and Keillor-Dunn had set the reds up for a comfortable three points but poor defending and application and poor substitutions combined to condemn the reds to merely a point.

I must admit that I found some of Hourihane’s substitutions completely baffling. They struck me to be of a manager thinking that the game was already won and were a little experimental.

We have since learnt that McGoldrick had a groin issue but even despite that brining on Farrugia up front is mind blowing. I don’t like to write players off too early but for me Farrugia looks nowhere near this level and at this stage I personally wouldn’t be able to find a place on the bench for him.

Bland was booked so after what we saw in midweek it was probably the correct decision to bring him off. Russell was his replacement, and Kelly had already come on to shore up the midfield. The issue with this is that it was Kellys’ first game back after injury and for me Russell isn’t the option to see out a game. He’s an option that might pop up with a goal if you’re chasing the game. Although having said that I do feel he only truly impacts the game when he starts, and I personally would not be starting him.

I have previously stated that Yoganathan would be at the bottom of my pecking order for a midfield start and I stand by that. But he would be a better option off the bench to see out a lead.

A vocal minority of fans seem to want Hourihane sacking. That is beyond ridiculous. He certainly made mistakes in this one, but he is a new manager, and he will learn. You must remember he hasn’t been fully backed in being able to bring strikers in, we are certainly an improved team on last season, and he has had us playing a much more exciting brand of football full of energy, although that was slightly lacking here.

Overall, it was a decent performance, a game we should have won but full of the same old problems.

Defensively we were good for 87 minutes then all over the place hanging on. Earl has received absolute pelters for his part in their first goal and it was truly shocking defending. He really is poor in afoot race when he gets dragged out wide.

But the error isn’t only his. We are 2 – 0 up in the dying minutes of the game so why is he being dragged out there in the first place. Surely, we should be in shape making it as difficult as possible for the opposition. Where are the left back in particular, winger, midfielders?

Even after Earl gets sent for a paper, the goal scorer is free in space with no one marking him with several players just watching on.

The second goal was equally as poor. I think Cooper should save it but the non-existent closing down of the shot is unforgiveable at that stage of the game with that scoreline.

The one bright spark in the game was the man who myself and many others have been eager to see start. Cleary got his goal and was a constant threat all game. He also worked hard defensively and made the most tackles of any Barnsley player. His lack of starts meant that he had to be withdrawn with cramp but going forwards he surely must be a regular starter.

The International break is now upon and hopefully it is a chance to reset, work hard on the training ground and get back to winning ways.

COYR