Talking points from Rotherham victory

Much needed win 

This was a game Barnsley really needed to win for a multitude of reasons, including to move away from an expanding relegation battle that was being blown wide open by Exeter. At one point, Barnsley sat just two points above the bottom four as Exeter took a lead in the lunchtime Devon derby before a late Plymouth leveller meant the points were shared. The win at Rotherham has created a seven-point gap over the Grecians, who have just three matches left meaning they can claim a maximum of nine points, which would move them up to 56 points, two above Barnsley’s 54, who have six games remaining. Three points and a big performance was required for a Reds side whose character has been questioned in recent weeks, and they certainly stepped up when needed. It also seemed a tricky task before kick-off, as top-scorer David McGoldrick was injured, and skipper Luca Connell missed the game as his partner had given birth the night before the game. It also gives some positivity for an under-pressure Conor Hourihane, who has been criticised by sections of the fanbase over recent performances and team selections. The wait for a clean sheet did go on however, and it may never come this season. The Reds must now back this victory up when they visit bottom-club Port Vale on Tuesday. 

Adam Phillips steps up 

Hosts very poor 

As good as Barnsley were at the New York Stadium, the hosts did nothing to inject any sort of energy into the match. There were chances missed at both ends before The Reds opener, and arguably The Millers should have had at least one goal. However, after Barnsley got the opener, it was seemingly one-way traffic for the rest of the game. Rotherham had 66% possession with The Reds game plan seeming to be to let the hosts have most of the ball while looking to press and counter-attack. The hosts looked uninspiring on the ball, with them passing the ball out-of-play on many occasions. More was expected of The Millers, who were unbeaten in four at home and had beaten Barnsley earlier in the season. Dan Gore looked the only bright spark from a home perspective, with Man United loanee looking lively in midfield. Sam Nombe was identified as Rotherham’s main threat, and he had a quiet game before dispatching a penalty in added time, the first goal for new boss Lee Clark. Clark was scathing in his post-match interview, criticising his players and apologising to the home fans for the performance, who most didn’t stay to see the full-time whistle.  

Tom Bradshaw gets derby double 

Tom Bradshaw’s first Barnsley goal came in August 2016 against Rotherham in a 4-0 rout, and a few months under 10 years later, he bagged a brace in his second spell as a Red against The Millers. The loanee striker has been a good addition to the squad, always pressing and working hard at the top of the pitch, just without the goals to back it up. He showed his experience and in-box movement with his first goal, diverting a Jono Bland cross past Ted Cann and into the bottom corner. His second goal was a composed finish, with a Phillips pass dummied by Kelly before the 33-year-old finished well. He also played his part in the first goal, beating Zac Jukes in a duel before sending Kelly through for a three on one. It would make sense to bring in Bradshaw permanently when his contract expires at Oxford in the summer, as his passion was demonstrated with his celebrations for the goals.