Barnsley 2 – 1 Peterborough – Match Analysis

The Super Reds recorded a 2 -1 victory over Peterborough at Oakwell thanks to some fine finishes from Connell and Cleary.

In many respects the reds played well and were good value for all three points after going a goal behind. On the other hand, if Peterborough had been more clinical then it could easily have been a heavy defeat.

The reds at times are a joy to watch in attack, and despite being one of the highest scorers in the league, could be even better with the chances that they create.

Defensively is a different story and every time the opposition attack us it is a heart in mouth moment that more often than not creates a clear-cut chance. Our defensive frailties however are probably for another article as I don’t want to dwell on negatives when we have won, despite the fact that there are still massive areas of improvement required. I instead want to look at how the players performed.

Goodman has received some criticism for the Peterborough goal, and I must admit I am not a fan at all but last night I thought he had his best game for us to date. He made some crucial saves at times and looked a lot more assured with the basics than he had any of his previous appearances.

At the back, we look much better with O’Connell. Shepherd was slightly better than in previous games but still looks like he needs a rest to me. Something which is probably not possible until Earl is fit again given Roberts recent form and how bad De Gevigney looked when he came on yesterday. It was good to see Gent back in the team. I feel he is our long-term solution at left back but is way off the pace at the moment having been out for so long. O’Keeffe brings us so much going forwards but defensively he was a big issue last night with O’Connell often having to come over to right back. I think that is part of the system rather than O’Keeffe himself but again that is for another day.

The midfield five selected last night and McGoldrick up front are the way I would go for the rest of season barring any drop offs in form. It gets our best players in, in their best positions. I do feel tweaks are needed slightly tactically but again that is for another day.

Connell was exceptional but has been for several games now without getting the recognition he deserves due to some idiotic fans. He is also the right choice as captain but again that may be for another day. He was rightly chosen as man of the match; he should have been in a couple of others recently.

Another player who has been exceptional lately is McGoldrick. I actually don’t think we are missing Keillor-Dunn at this moment in time. In fact, I think we look better with McGoldrick up front as the ball actually gets held up. That’s not to say I wouldn’t find a place for Keillor-Dunn if he was still at Oakwell.

Phillips brought the calmness that was needed at times that only he and Connell can bring. Kelly had another bad one after a bad one on Saturday. He has been fantastic all season but not quite at it these last two in terms of when to pass and executing his pass but there is still a lot to admire about how he drives us forward even when poor on the ball.

Cleary ultimately scored the winning goal and his numbers are sensational, especially when you think about how much time he spent on the bench at the beginning of the season.

On the other wing, I still haven’t made up my mind about Banks. He has had some decent passages of play in games but isn’t really playing like a winger. I’d like to see him get at players more instead of playing the safe pass backwards.

We now travel to Huddersfield on Saturday where a win will reignite our play-off push.

COYR