Talking points from Burton draw
By Harry Jones
April 4 2026
Here are some talking points from Barnsley's draw at Burton.
Lacklustre performance
It wasn’t a classic at the Pirelli Stadium, and it’s fair to say Barnsley were second best. They lacked control, often failing to put multiple passes together on a tricky pitch, and struggled chances. The Reds failed to have a single corner throughout the match and were fortunate to only be trailing by a single goal when David McGoldrick equalised on 90 minutes. There seemed to be a lack of ideas going forward too.
McGoldrick saves the day
David McGoldrick scored his 15th League One goal of the season, in what has been a great personal campaign for him. He got on the end of a set-piece routine which saw Luca Connell deliver a ball towards the towering Marc Roberts who headed across goal for McGoldrick to tap in. Barnsley’s two strikers offered some threat, with Bradshaw having a few chances early on including diverting a McGoldrick effort goalwards which former Barnsley goalkeeper Brad Collins saved. The international break seems to have benefitted 38-year-old McGoldrick who looked very tired against Doncaster. Other Barnsley players weren’t really at the level on Saturday, and it was surprising to see Hourihane keep Yoganathan on the pitch, who was struggling.
Flavell impresses
It was time for Kieren Flavell to be given his first league start of the season, as Owen Goodman wasn’t quite ready after being away on international duty with Canada. The 22-year-old did well, including a key save in added time to tip a deflected Charlie Webster free-kick over the bar. It would be beneficial for Flavell to be given a loan next season if he isn’t going to be Barnsley’s starting goalkeeper, as it would help him develop. 39-year-old Scott Flinders also appeared on the bench, as he was signed as a player-coach at the start of the season.
A bloody battle
It was a physical affair in Burton, and one which saw two Barnsley defenders come off with injuries after going for headers. First, Eoghan O’Connell went off after seven minutes, then in the second half Mael de Gevigney went off after battling with Jake Beesley, who seemed to leave one on the Frenchman. Neither incident seemed to interest the referee. However, this meant Marc Roberts was needed, who did well when coming on, assisting the equaliser and winning six headers.