BBS FC 1-0 Coventry
BBS FC defied the odds to win their first ever competitive game at the World Net tournament at Bodington Hall in Leeds after a 1-0 victory over Coventry.
The Sky Blues, who have been formed for eight years in comparison to Barnsley’s five weeks, were sunk by a second-half thunderbolt from left-back Martin Beaumont.
The first period was played at a frenetic pace as both sides searched for the crucial first goal. Barnsley began to dominate possession as the half wore on, and were incredibly unlucky not to take the lead towards the end of the half. Beaumont broke into the Coventry half before hitting a 35-yard pile-driver that swerved and dipped onto the crossbar with the goalkeeper floundering.
The Reds continued to orchestrate the play after half-time, but Coventry always remained a threat when going forward and ensured that Barnsley’s back four remained alert. The vital goal came soon after the restart, when Martin got forward down the left once more before unleashing a powerful 25-yard shot which beat the Coventry keeper to his right.
The Midlanders had a number of half chances to get the equaliser, but a combination of solid defending and brave goalkeeping from Ian Vaines kept them at bay. The final whistle was met by cheers of delight from the Barnsley squad as a fine performance had got them off to a flying start in their first ever tournament.
Barnsley BBS (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Allen Cooper, Rob Snodgrass, Julian White, Martin Beaumont; Jonno Smales, Darrell Harrison, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Riley Marsden, James Houtby, Alex.
BBS FC 0-0 Birmingham
A REARGUARD display against an impressive Birmingham outfit ensured Barnsley remained unbeaten in Group 15 of World Net.
The Blues had outclassed Brentford 2-0 in their opening game so this promised to be the Reds’ toughest match of the group and it didn’t take long for their first warning shot.
Barnsley went to sleep straight from the kick-off and could have been behind inside ten seconds had Brum’s Avid Merrion lookalike not blazed the ball over the crossbar. This was the wake up call the Reds needed, and they slowly began to get a foothold in the match. The BBS’s only real chance of the game soon arrived when lone striker Chadburn was put through with a slide-rule pass, but he slightly hurried his shot and hit nit narrowly wide from 20 yards.
Blues had targeted Barnsley’s right hand side and constantly doubled up on right-back Allen Cooper after employing an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Numerous crosses were arriving in Ian Vaines' penalty area but somehow the Reds went in 0-0 at the break.
A half-time re-organisation went some way to alleviating Barnsley’s first-half problems, with James Houtby being brought on to provide cover on the right-hand side of midfield. Possession wise the game was largely even, but Birmingham continued to create the only chances. One in particular stood out when a right wing cross evaded the BBS’ defence only for the Brum forward to sky the ball over the bar from just six yards.
The draw meant that Barnsley just needed a point against pointless Brentford to ensure qualification for the main event on Sunday…
Barnsley BBS (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Allen Cooper, Rob Snodgrass, Julian White, Martin Beaumont; Jonno Smales, Darrell Harrison, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Riley Marsden, James Houtby, Alex.
BBS FC 1-2 Brentford
LEE Chadburn’s first half strike was not enough to save BBS FC from a surprise defeat at the hands of a pointless Bees outfit.
However, Birmingham’s late equaliser against Coventry meant that the Reds qualify for the main knockout Cup tomorrow by virtue of their victory over the Sky Blues earlier in the day, with both sides finishing on four points.
Barnsley largely dominated the first half, and Chadburn’s strike was due reward for their efforts. The lone striker angled a low shot past the Brentford keeper and into the bottom corner after just five minutes. Ed Holliday also crashed a shot against the bar as the Yorkshire side looked to seal the game.
However the second half was a different story, as the London club scored two quick goals to stun Barnsley. Despite throwing on extra forwards, the equaliser just wouldn’t come. The nearest they came to an equaliser was when a left wing cross beat the Bees’ defence but Alex could only scuff the ball straight at the keeper from six yards.
Barnsley’s players watched on nervously as Coventry twice led against Birmingham, but the Blues’ late goal sent the Reds through to Sunday’s main event.
BBS FC (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Darrell Harrison, Julian White, Rob Snodgrass, Martin Beaumont; Allen Cooper, James Houtby, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Jonno Smales, Riley Marsden, Alex.
BBS FC 1-2 Charlton (golden goal)
CHARLTON advanced into the last 16 of WorldNet 2004 after a golden goal cruelly ended Barnsley’s impressive run in their first attempt at the competition.
The Reds were forced to change personnel as Saturday’s hero Martin Beaumont was unavailable to take part. Jonno Smales moved to left-back to cover, with Ryan Copley added to the squad as a replacement.
Barnsley took an early lead through Chadburn, who expertly planted the ball past the keeper from 12 yards. The game was end to end, but the Reds went in 1-0 up at half-time.
With just 15 minutes to survive to qualify for the next round, confidence was high in the Barnsley camp. However, Charlton continued to attack the Reds’ goal and finally equalised with a super looping header that gave Ian Vaines no chance.
Chances came and went at both ends, but the referee blew his whistle and the game went into a golden goal extra time period of 15 minutes.
Both sides were understandably edgy as defences were on top early on, but it was the London outfit who finally got the killer goal as penalties beckoned. Vaines made a fantastic block in the penalty area after his defence had gone awol, but the ball cruelly fell to an Addicks forward, who expertly curled the ball into the top right hand corner.
The game was played in a superb spirit, and it was unfortunate that one side had to be eliminated.
Make no mistake, the Reds will be back stronger and hungrier in 2005.
BBS FC (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Darrell Harrison, Julian White, Rob Snodgrass, Jonno Smales; Allen Cooper, James Houtby, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Ryan Copley, Riley Marsden, Alex.
BBS FC 1-0 FC Rearguard (Tranmere)
DEBUTANT STRIKER Chris Johnson’s diving header nine minutes from time was enough to hand BBS FC a winning start to their IFA League campaign.
Johnson had ironically refereed the majority of the match, but was brought on late in the game as the hosts looked for the winning goal their second half performance deserved.
Rovers only turned up with eight men, which led to two Barnsley making their IFA debuts in Rearguard shirts, the pair being barnsley66 (Ray) who played in the visitors goal, and Stephen Holder (GudjonFan) who played at the heart of the defence. The game was played at the famous Shaw Lane ground and was 10-a-side due to Tranmere’s player shortfall.
The visitors, having played a number of games already this season, began the game sharply but failed to trouble keeper Steve Pearson early on. The best effort came from a free-kick from the left corner of the penalty area but it was skied over the bar by Rovers midfielder Chris. Their star player Benji, was getting relative joy down the left hand side but failed to produce the killer ball.
BBS FC should have lead soon after though, when barnsley66 dropped a cross from the right hand side, but with the goal gaping, Ben Horbury’s hooked shot from 15 yards unlucky bounced off the upright. Perhaps he was still admiring his new haircut, which had seen him arrive late for the game.
The last meaningful action in the first half saw a Tranmere attack result in a frantic clearance from the normally assured Julian White (OWT), which had to be saved by Pearson on the line to preserve his clean sheet.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 0-0 FC Rearguard
Barnsley freshened things up at half time with a couple of substitutions, and immediately began to get on top in the second period. The strong wind was making it difficult to establish any sort of pattern to play, but the hosts battered Rearguard with a whole series of corners and long throws from Horbury. However, nothing came of this, and indeed Tranmere came close themselves soon after.
A flick header from lone striker Rich ensured Steve had to be on his guard, and soon later came the outstanding chance of the game. Star player Benji was played through by a fantastic slide-rule pass but Pearson advanced quickly and the winger dragged his shot wide of the right-hand post. He had another chance minutes later, but a combination of Allen Cooper and Pearson blocked the ball on the line from six yards.
However, despite these chances, The Reds were enjoying the majority of the ball, and with a quarter of an hour to go brought on referee Johnson as a substitute to replace Jonno Smales. It wasn’t long before a sweeping move resulted in a fantastic right-wing cross from Horbury with the outside of his left foot, and Johnson’s dived to head home the winner.
Tranmere desperately looked for a leveller in the dying minutes, and felt a little aggrieved that they were not awarded a free-kick 25-yards out after a tussle between the impressive Rob Snodgrass and Rovers' trickster Benji. However, Cooper, who had taken over the refereeing duties, decided there was little more than a shoulder barge used by the tough defender and allowed play to go on.
BBS FC (4-3-2): Steve Pearson; Allen Cooper (Journo Tyke), Julian White (OWT), Rob, Alex (dt); Jonno Smales, Ed Holliday, Darrell Harrison (Spartacus); Riley Marsden (Ken), James Houtby.
Subs: Paul Parr, Chris Johnson (bfcbub), Ben Horbury, Bill Redfern.
Huddersfield Town (Net Terriers) 2-3 BBS FC (Sat 18/09/04)
RILEY MARSDEN’S brace of second half goals gave a depleted and wounded Reds side a battling comeback victory at Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.
The win ensured that Barnsley kept up their 100% record in the IFA League following the win over Tranmere last weekend.
A number of players were lost at late notice, including last week’s hero Chris Johnson, after his brother was unfortunately involved in a car crash. It meant Paul Parr’s friend, who had only really come to watch, ended up as an emergency substitute, and Richard Brown played nearly all the game despite having a game later in the afternoon.
Huddersfield started the game well, and with a little help from their referee, pressed the Reds back early on. The opening goal just after the quarter hour mark, when a right-wing cross was met with a wonderful looping header that sailed straight into the top right corner of the net.
Barnsley struggled to get a foothold in the game in tough conditions, and weren’t helped by Allen Cooper struggling with a groin injury he sustained in the warm up. In the end they were grateful for the half time whistle.
HALF TIME: Net Terriers 1-0 BBS FC
A half-time rollocking and a change of tactics saw BBS FC start the second half in much better fashion. Their reward came when Riley Marsden scored his first goal for the team by pouncing on some poor defending inside the penalty area.
The goal visibly boosted the visitors, and it wasn’t long before Marsden added his second as Huddersfield capitulated again at the back. A right wing cross failed to be cleared and Marsden coolly slotted the ball past the despairing Town keeper.
Barnsley extended their lead following another extended spell of pressure. Darrell Harrison’s corner was headed away by the hosts’ defence, but it was second time lucky as his cross this time found the head of Bill Redfern who powered the Reds into their first ever two goal lead.
Huddersfield fought back however, and their extra substitutes meant that they were much fresher for the final quarter of the game. Paul’s friend was forced off the field with an ankle injury and Cooper moved to the left wing as his injury restricted his running at right back.
The Reds captain indeed almost reduced Huddersfield’s arrears in bizarre fashion with five minutes to go. A super left-wing cross cut out the entire Barnsley defence, but Cooper, who had got back from his new wing position, got back to clear the ball, only to skew over Steve Pearson’s head onto the crossbar. It had saved a goal, but only thanks to a large chunk of fortune.
The Terriers’ referee was doing his best to turn the game around himself. As if adding a ridiculous amount of stoppage time wasn’t enough, he followed it up with an incredibly harsh penalty decision. A shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the hand of Redfern at close range and the ref awarded the spot-kick. There was clearly no intent in the handball and no way Redfern could get out of the way, but the official waved away protests and the penalty was converted. Still more time was added, but some brave and desperate defending ensured that BBS FC held on for a well earned three points.
BBS FC (4-4-2): Steve Pearson; Allen Cooper, Stephen Holder, Bill Redfern, Alex; Jonno Smales, Paul Parr, Richard Brown, Darrell Harrison; James Houtby, Riley Marsden.
BBS FC 3-5 Internet Millers (Rotherham United)
THREE goals inside the first ten minutes were the key to Rotherham inflicting BBS FC’s first defeat in the IFA League at Shaw Lane.
It was a vast improvement on Barnsley’s 6-0 defeat to the Millers five months earlier though, and demonstrated just how far the team has come in that time. Full back Alex Varley was the latest debutant for the Reds.
The Reds actually started in positive fashion, dominating the first few minutes, but Rotherham broke away and scored a super goal with their first attack. Barnsley fought back and almost equalised immediately, but Ed Holliday’s rasping drive came back off the crossbar. The Reds’ defence appeared to still be in the changing rooms though, as within five minutes they had shipped two more goals to a rampant Millers outfit.
It was a worrying opening to the match, and one wondered just how many goals the visitors might score. However, the battling spirit that has built up in the Barnsley squad over the last few months was called upon, and the game began to look far more even. Chris Johnson pulled one goal back midway through the first period with a clinical finish, after being clean through by the Reds midfield.
The hosts missed a couple of decent openings to cut the gap to just one goal, but it was Rotherham who ended the half on a high after another clinical breakaway resulted in their fourth goal.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 1-4 Internet Millers
The second half began as badly as the first for Barnsley, as the Millers added a fifth goal as they dominated the early stages. It looked as though the Reds might be facing an even bigger defeat than the 6-0 thrashing suffered back in July, but the team dug deep into their reserves to ensure that did not happen.
Chances came and went at both ends, but it was the home side who scored next. Holliday’s corner caused panic in the Rotherham penalty area, and captain Bill Redfern drove home a low shot to reduce the arrears.
It was another set piece late on that brought Barnsley back within just two goals of the Millers. Winger Darrell Harrison curled a left wing corner in towards the near post, and incredibly everyone missed it and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
The final whistle was blown by the referee, and both sides will be pleased with their day’s work for differing reasons.
Skipper Redfern said: “We had them on the back foot in the second half when we changed to the diamond formation, to a point where they were punting it anywhere just to try and relieve the pressure.”
BBS FC (4-4-2): Steve Pearson; Jonno Smales, Rob Snodgrass, Bill Redfern, Alex Varley; James Houtby, Ed Holliday, Paul Parr, Darrell Harrison; Chris Johnson, Riley Marsden.
Subs: Stephen Holder, Ben Horbury.
Referee: Allen Cooper
BBS FC 3-3 Inter Blades (Sheffield United)
AN 89th minute equaliser from skipper Bill Redfern capped a stirring comeback and earned BBS FC a deserved point at home to local rivals Sheffield United.
Debuts were handed to Lee Beard (Lee) and John Harper (Bagpuss) as Barnsley continue to build up a sizeable squad which will hopefully enable them to fulfill more regular fixtures in the future. James Houtby made his first appearance in goal as well in a makeshift side in the absence of Steve Pearson and Barnsley66.
The visitors began brightly and largely dominated the first ten minutes as Barnsley struggled to get hold of the ball in midfield. However, it was the Reds who opened the scoring soon after through Riley Marsden (KFC). United failed to deal with a ball into the penalty area, and with Kevin Pressman lookalike goalkeeper Chris Shackleton getting lost in his area, Marsden coolly toe poked the ball home from 12 yards.
The goal clearly gave Barnsley confidence as they began to get back into the game. However, huge Blades centre half Daz Whitehead (at least 6'6 and well built!!) was dealing with any aerial threat that the hosts offered in the tough wet and blustery conditions. It wasn't long though before a goal was once again scored against the run of play, as United winger Steve Jones superbly volleyed in a pinpoint right wing cross despite Barnsley's vain appeals for a possible offside.
Marsden was then unlucky not to restore the Reds' lead as his powerful header was hacked off the line by the desperate Blades defence. The visitors took the lead soon after in controversial circumstances. A low right wing cross came into the near post and appeared to be set to run through to goalkeeper Houtby. However, the ball somehow ended up in the net, with the keeper claiming he had been held by scorer Anthony Jackson. There were also claims that Jackson had put the ball into the net with his hand, but the referee from the Blades' allowed the goal to stand.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 1-2 Inter Blades
Barnsley were fired up for the second half as they searched for the equaliser their first half performance deserved. But despite starting the second period the brighter, they soon found themselves further behind. United's right back Brown aimed a cross towards the far post but luckily mishit it over Houtby's head into the far corner of the Barnsley net.
The Reds had been struggling to get a hold of the midfield in the first half, but Rich Brown (RB), Ed Holliday and Paul Parr gradually wrested control and helped the home side to fight their way back into the game. Jonno Smales replaced Houtby in between the posts with around 20 minutes to go as the latter suffered a knee injury. Barnsley began to create chances at regular intervals and saw one effort come back off the bar and another one hacked off the line.
The crucial goal came with around ten minutes to go as Brown fired into the bottom left corner from 20 yards following neat build up from the Reds' midfield. This galvanised the Reds and United soon found themselves under concerted pressure. Redfern was thrown forward for the last five minutes in the hope that his aerial ability would cause the Blades an extra problem. The script could hardly have been written any better as Redfern rose majestically to loop home Lee's wonderful left wing cross into the top left corner of the visitors' net.
United were clearly disappointed and even threw charismatic keeper Shackleton up for a late corner in a desperate attempt to recover the three points, but Barnsley deservedly held on for a valuable draw.
Credit to the Blades, they are a great set of lads and really gave us a tough game. We look forward to hopefully playing the return game in a few weeks' time in Sheffield.
BBS FC: (4-4-2): James Houtby; Jonno Smales, Bill Redfern, Stephen Holder (GudjonFan), Alex Varley; Allen Cooper, Paul Parr, Richard Brown, Lee Beard; Riley Marsden, Ed Holliday.
Subs (all used on a roll-on, roll-off system): John Harper, Matt Bailey, Darrell Harrison (Spartacus)
Inter Blades: (4-4-2): Chris Shackleton; Danny Brown, Daz Whitehead, Kirk, Danny Shepherd; Anthony Jackson, Adi, Birchy, Steve Jones; Scott Kelly, Nathan Walker.
Subs: Martin, Spen
BBS FC 4-2 Hull City
TWO goals in the last seven minutes ensured that BBS FC gained sweet revenge for last week’s 5-0 hammering at Hull City in the return game at Shaw Lane.
Once again there were two debutants for Barnsley, with forwards Rob Pick (BFCFan4Life) and Simon Newey making their first appearances for the team. The Reds were able to name a strong team with Martin Beaumont returning to the side after missing the last couple of games and six substitutes named on the bench.
The hosts started the game well with Newey looking particularly bright early on, but it was Hull who took the lead after just five minutes. The visitors from East Yorkshire won a corner and Ryan Windass somehow managed to scramble the ball home as Barnsley failed to clear the ball despite having numerous chances to do so.
Chances came and went for both sides, but the clearest one fell to Newey after 20 minutes. Some superb passing in the midfield from the Reds eventually saw Beaumont and Pick play the striker in, but he skewed is shot wide of the keeper’s left-hand post from 10 yards.
Newey used his pace to get away from the Hull defence again minutes later as he set off down the inside left channel before having his shirt almost pulled off his back by a City defender. The resultant free-kick was headed just over by Jon Harper (Bagpuss).
Despite the blustery conditions, Barnsley were playing some decent football and getting the ball wide, something they often had struggled to do in other games. Chris Johnson (bfcbub), Darrell Harrison (Spartacus) and Beaumont all impressed on the wing and were creating decent openings for the Reds’ forwards. Having regular midfielders Paul Parr and Ed Holliday back after missing last week’s defeat was also crucial in the hosts’ improved performance. However, the cutting edge was lacking and the visitors held on to their 1-0 lead at the interval.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 0-1 Hull City
The second period started in a similar vein to that which the first had ended, with both sides dogged in defence and just struggling to find the game’s second goal. Harrison came close to scoring a cracking equaliser on the hour mark though, as his piledriver from the right corner of the area skimmed the top of the crossbar with the keeper rooted to the spot.
The equaliser eventually came after 63 minutes through the dangerous Johnson as he toe poked home from twelve yards after his initial effort was blocked.
Hull then felt they should have had a penalty as Jonno Smales made a strong challenge on the edge of the area, but Harper, referee at the time, ignored the vociferous claims for the spot-kick.
Barnsley went for it by making four changes a couple of minutes later to try and freshen up the side, with debutants Pick and Newey re-introduced to the fray. However, it was the visitors who re-took the lead just three minutes later with Chris Whiting's fine 18-yard shot from the angle finding Steve Pearson’s bottom left corner.
Despite the goal though, the Reds were gradually taking control of the game. With a quarter of an hour to go, substitute Allen Cooper found Pick in space 25 yards out, and his smart pass was turned in expertly by Newey from just inside the area.
Hull immediately looked for a goal to go back in front, but Stephen Holder (GudjonFan) and Bill Redfern were imposing presences at the back and repelled anything the visitors could offer.
Barnsley took the lead for the first time in the game with seven minutes to go. Yet another corner was forced by the Reds, and this time Holliday’s set piece found the head of the apparently invisible Redfern who rose unmarked to power a header into the top corner.
Hull started to throw bodies forward, but to no avail. Indeed with just three minutes remaining, Barnsley added their fourth goal – for the first time ever. Cooper got forward from right-back to play Pick in on the edge of the City area. His shot was well saved by the keeper diving to his right, but fox-in-the-box Newey was on hand to knock in the rebound.
The team were delighted to be cheered on by a number of members of the BBS. Present were Laura and Crystal Herring (Big Lils), clubshop Matthew, Alityke along with Amanda and friend Amy. The support really is appreciated by the whole team. Thanks.
BBS FC: (4-4-2): Steve Pearson; Jon Harper (sub 25, on 65), Julian White (sub 45, on 80), Bill Redfern, Alex Varley (sub 80); Chris Johnson (sub 65, on 88), Paul Parr (sub 65), Ed Holliday (sub 88), Martin Beaumont (sub 45); Rob Pick (sub 25, on 65), Simon Newey (sub 25, on 65)
Subs: Darrell Harrison (on 25), Jonno Smales (on 25, off 65), Riley Marsden (on 25, off 65), Stephen Holder (on 45), Lee Beard (on 45), Allen Cooper (on 65).
Goals: Chris Johnson (63), Simon Newey (75, 87), Bill Redfern (83).
Referees: Allen Cooper (first half), Jon Harper (46-65), Jonno Smales (65-90)
Reports courtesy of Allen Cooper - others will appear here soon.
BBS FC defied the odds to win their first ever competitive game at the World Net tournament at Bodington Hall in Leeds after a 1-0 victory over Coventry.
The Sky Blues, who have been formed for eight years in comparison to Barnsley’s five weeks, were sunk by a second-half thunderbolt from left-back Martin Beaumont.
The first period was played at a frenetic pace as both sides searched for the crucial first goal. Barnsley began to dominate possession as the half wore on, and were incredibly unlucky not to take the lead towards the end of the half. Beaumont broke into the Coventry half before hitting a 35-yard pile-driver that swerved and dipped onto the crossbar with the goalkeeper floundering.
The Reds continued to orchestrate the play after half-time, but Coventry always remained a threat when going forward and ensured that Barnsley’s back four remained alert. The vital goal came soon after the restart, when Martin got forward down the left once more before unleashing a powerful 25-yard shot which beat the Coventry keeper to his right.
The Midlanders had a number of half chances to get the equaliser, but a combination of solid defending and brave goalkeeping from Ian Vaines kept them at bay. The final whistle was met by cheers of delight from the Barnsley squad as a fine performance had got them off to a flying start in their first ever tournament.
Barnsley BBS (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Allen Cooper, Rob Snodgrass, Julian White, Martin Beaumont; Jonno Smales, Darrell Harrison, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Riley Marsden, James Houtby, Alex.
BBS FC 0-0 Birmingham
A REARGUARD display against an impressive Birmingham outfit ensured Barnsley remained unbeaten in Group 15 of World Net.
The Blues had outclassed Brentford 2-0 in their opening game so this promised to be the Reds’ toughest match of the group and it didn’t take long for their first warning shot.
Barnsley went to sleep straight from the kick-off and could have been behind inside ten seconds had Brum’s Avid Merrion lookalike not blazed the ball over the crossbar. This was the wake up call the Reds needed, and they slowly began to get a foothold in the match. The BBS’s only real chance of the game soon arrived when lone striker Chadburn was put through with a slide-rule pass, but he slightly hurried his shot and hit nit narrowly wide from 20 yards.
Blues had targeted Barnsley’s right hand side and constantly doubled up on right-back Allen Cooper after employing an attacking 4-3-3 formation. Numerous crosses were arriving in Ian Vaines' penalty area but somehow the Reds went in 0-0 at the break.
A half-time re-organisation went some way to alleviating Barnsley’s first-half problems, with James Houtby being brought on to provide cover on the right-hand side of midfield. Possession wise the game was largely even, but Birmingham continued to create the only chances. One in particular stood out when a right wing cross evaded the BBS’ defence only for the Brum forward to sky the ball over the bar from just six yards.
The draw meant that Barnsley just needed a point against pointless Brentford to ensure qualification for the main event on Sunday…
Barnsley BBS (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Allen Cooper, Rob Snodgrass, Julian White, Martin Beaumont; Jonno Smales, Darrell Harrison, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Riley Marsden, James Houtby, Alex.
BBS FC 1-2 Brentford
LEE Chadburn’s first half strike was not enough to save BBS FC from a surprise defeat at the hands of a pointless Bees outfit.
However, Birmingham’s late equaliser against Coventry meant that the Reds qualify for the main knockout Cup tomorrow by virtue of their victory over the Sky Blues earlier in the day, with both sides finishing on four points.
Barnsley largely dominated the first half, and Chadburn’s strike was due reward for their efforts. The lone striker angled a low shot past the Brentford keeper and into the bottom corner after just five minutes. Ed Holliday also crashed a shot against the bar as the Yorkshire side looked to seal the game.
However the second half was a different story, as the London club scored two quick goals to stun Barnsley. Despite throwing on extra forwards, the equaliser just wouldn’t come. The nearest they came to an equaliser was when a left wing cross beat the Bees’ defence but Alex could only scuff the ball straight at the keeper from six yards.
Barnsley’s players watched on nervously as Coventry twice led against Birmingham, but the Blues’ late goal sent the Reds through to Sunday’s main event.
BBS FC (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Darrell Harrison, Julian White, Rob Snodgrass, Martin Beaumont; Allen Cooper, James Houtby, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Jonno Smales, Riley Marsden, Alex.
BBS FC 1-2 Charlton (golden goal)
CHARLTON advanced into the last 16 of WorldNet 2004 after a golden goal cruelly ended Barnsley’s impressive run in their first attempt at the competition.
The Reds were forced to change personnel as Saturday’s hero Martin Beaumont was unavailable to take part. Jonno Smales moved to left-back to cover, with Ryan Copley added to the squad as a replacement.
Barnsley took an early lead through Chadburn, who expertly planted the ball past the keeper from 12 yards. The game was end to end, but the Reds went in 1-0 up at half-time.
With just 15 minutes to survive to qualify for the next round, confidence was high in the Barnsley camp. However, Charlton continued to attack the Reds’ goal and finally equalised with a super looping header that gave Ian Vaines no chance.
Chances came and went at both ends, but the referee blew his whistle and the game went into a golden goal extra time period of 15 minutes.
Both sides were understandably edgy as defences were on top early on, but it was the London outfit who finally got the killer goal as penalties beckoned. Vaines made a fantastic block in the penalty area after his defence had gone awol, but the ball cruelly fell to an Addicks forward, who expertly curled the ball into the top right hand corner.
The game was played in a superb spirit, and it was unfortunate that one side had to be eliminated.
Make no mistake, the Reds will be back stronger and hungrier in 2005.
BBS FC (4-5-1): Ian Vaines; Darrell Harrison, Julian White, Rob Snodgrass, Jonno Smales; Allen Cooper, James Houtby, Richard Brown, Ed Holliday, Ben Horbury; Lee Chadburn.
Subs: Ryan Copley, Riley Marsden, Alex.
BBS FC 1-0 FC Rearguard (Tranmere)
DEBUTANT STRIKER Chris Johnson’s diving header nine minutes from time was enough to hand BBS FC a winning start to their IFA League campaign.
Johnson had ironically refereed the majority of the match, but was brought on late in the game as the hosts looked for the winning goal their second half performance deserved.
Rovers only turned up with eight men, which led to two Barnsley making their IFA debuts in Rearguard shirts, the pair being barnsley66 (Ray) who played in the visitors goal, and Stephen Holder (GudjonFan) who played at the heart of the defence. The game was played at the famous Shaw Lane ground and was 10-a-side due to Tranmere’s player shortfall.
The visitors, having played a number of games already this season, began the game sharply but failed to trouble keeper Steve Pearson early on. The best effort came from a free-kick from the left corner of the penalty area but it was skied over the bar by Rovers midfielder Chris. Their star player Benji, was getting relative joy down the left hand side but failed to produce the killer ball.
BBS FC should have lead soon after though, when barnsley66 dropped a cross from the right hand side, but with the goal gaping, Ben Horbury’s hooked shot from 15 yards unlucky bounced off the upright. Perhaps he was still admiring his new haircut, which had seen him arrive late for the game.
The last meaningful action in the first half saw a Tranmere attack result in a frantic clearance from the normally assured Julian White (OWT), which had to be saved by Pearson on the line to preserve his clean sheet.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 0-0 FC Rearguard
Barnsley freshened things up at half time with a couple of substitutions, and immediately began to get on top in the second period. The strong wind was making it difficult to establish any sort of pattern to play, but the hosts battered Rearguard with a whole series of corners and long throws from Horbury. However, nothing came of this, and indeed Tranmere came close themselves soon after.
A flick header from lone striker Rich ensured Steve had to be on his guard, and soon later came the outstanding chance of the game. Star player Benji was played through by a fantastic slide-rule pass but Pearson advanced quickly and the winger dragged his shot wide of the right-hand post. He had another chance minutes later, but a combination of Allen Cooper and Pearson blocked the ball on the line from six yards.
However, despite these chances, The Reds were enjoying the majority of the ball, and with a quarter of an hour to go brought on referee Johnson as a substitute to replace Jonno Smales. It wasn’t long before a sweeping move resulted in a fantastic right-wing cross from Horbury with the outside of his left foot, and Johnson’s dived to head home the winner.
Tranmere desperately looked for a leveller in the dying minutes, and felt a little aggrieved that they were not awarded a free-kick 25-yards out after a tussle between the impressive Rob Snodgrass and Rovers' trickster Benji. However, Cooper, who had taken over the refereeing duties, decided there was little more than a shoulder barge used by the tough defender and allowed play to go on.
BBS FC (4-3-2): Steve Pearson; Allen Cooper (Journo Tyke), Julian White (OWT), Rob, Alex (dt); Jonno Smales, Ed Holliday, Darrell Harrison (Spartacus); Riley Marsden (Ken), James Houtby.
Subs: Paul Parr, Chris Johnson (bfcbub), Ben Horbury, Bill Redfern.
Huddersfield Town (Net Terriers) 2-3 BBS FC (Sat 18/09/04)
RILEY MARSDEN’S brace of second half goals gave a depleted and wounded Reds side a battling comeback victory at Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town.
The win ensured that Barnsley kept up their 100% record in the IFA League following the win over Tranmere last weekend.
A number of players were lost at late notice, including last week’s hero Chris Johnson, after his brother was unfortunately involved in a car crash. It meant Paul Parr’s friend, who had only really come to watch, ended up as an emergency substitute, and Richard Brown played nearly all the game despite having a game later in the afternoon.
Huddersfield started the game well, and with a little help from their referee, pressed the Reds back early on. The opening goal just after the quarter hour mark, when a right-wing cross was met with a wonderful looping header that sailed straight into the top right corner of the net.
Barnsley struggled to get a foothold in the game in tough conditions, and weren’t helped by Allen Cooper struggling with a groin injury he sustained in the warm up. In the end they were grateful for the half time whistle.
HALF TIME: Net Terriers 1-0 BBS FC
A half-time rollocking and a change of tactics saw BBS FC start the second half in much better fashion. Their reward came when Riley Marsden scored his first goal for the team by pouncing on some poor defending inside the penalty area.
The goal visibly boosted the visitors, and it wasn’t long before Marsden added his second as Huddersfield capitulated again at the back. A right wing cross failed to be cleared and Marsden coolly slotted the ball past the despairing Town keeper.
Barnsley extended their lead following another extended spell of pressure. Darrell Harrison’s corner was headed away by the hosts’ defence, but it was second time lucky as his cross this time found the head of Bill Redfern who powered the Reds into their first ever two goal lead.
Huddersfield fought back however, and their extra substitutes meant that they were much fresher for the final quarter of the game. Paul’s friend was forced off the field with an ankle injury and Cooper moved to the left wing as his injury restricted his running at right back.
The Reds captain indeed almost reduced Huddersfield’s arrears in bizarre fashion with five minutes to go. A super left-wing cross cut out the entire Barnsley defence, but Cooper, who had got back from his new wing position, got back to clear the ball, only to skew over Steve Pearson’s head onto the crossbar. It had saved a goal, but only thanks to a large chunk of fortune.
The Terriers’ referee was doing his best to turn the game around himself. As if adding a ridiculous amount of stoppage time wasn’t enough, he followed it up with an incredibly harsh penalty decision. A shot from the edge of the penalty area hit the hand of Redfern at close range and the ref awarded the spot-kick. There was clearly no intent in the handball and no way Redfern could get out of the way, but the official waved away protests and the penalty was converted. Still more time was added, but some brave and desperate defending ensured that BBS FC held on for a well earned three points.
BBS FC (4-4-2): Steve Pearson; Allen Cooper, Stephen Holder, Bill Redfern, Alex; Jonno Smales, Paul Parr, Richard Brown, Darrell Harrison; James Houtby, Riley Marsden.
BBS FC 3-5 Internet Millers (Rotherham United)
THREE goals inside the first ten minutes were the key to Rotherham inflicting BBS FC’s first defeat in the IFA League at Shaw Lane.
It was a vast improvement on Barnsley’s 6-0 defeat to the Millers five months earlier though, and demonstrated just how far the team has come in that time. Full back Alex Varley was the latest debutant for the Reds.
The Reds actually started in positive fashion, dominating the first few minutes, but Rotherham broke away and scored a super goal with their first attack. Barnsley fought back and almost equalised immediately, but Ed Holliday’s rasping drive came back off the crossbar. The Reds’ defence appeared to still be in the changing rooms though, as within five minutes they had shipped two more goals to a rampant Millers outfit.
It was a worrying opening to the match, and one wondered just how many goals the visitors might score. However, the battling spirit that has built up in the Barnsley squad over the last few months was called upon, and the game began to look far more even. Chris Johnson pulled one goal back midway through the first period with a clinical finish, after being clean through by the Reds midfield.
The hosts missed a couple of decent openings to cut the gap to just one goal, but it was Rotherham who ended the half on a high after another clinical breakaway resulted in their fourth goal.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 1-4 Internet Millers
The second half began as badly as the first for Barnsley, as the Millers added a fifth goal as they dominated the early stages. It looked as though the Reds might be facing an even bigger defeat than the 6-0 thrashing suffered back in July, but the team dug deep into their reserves to ensure that did not happen.
Chances came and went at both ends, but it was the home side who scored next. Holliday’s corner caused panic in the Rotherham penalty area, and captain Bill Redfern drove home a low shot to reduce the arrears.
It was another set piece late on that brought Barnsley back within just two goals of the Millers. Winger Darrell Harrison curled a left wing corner in towards the near post, and incredibly everyone missed it and the ball ended up in the back of the net.
The final whistle was blown by the referee, and both sides will be pleased with their day’s work for differing reasons.
Skipper Redfern said: “We had them on the back foot in the second half when we changed to the diamond formation, to a point where they were punting it anywhere just to try and relieve the pressure.”
BBS FC (4-4-2): Steve Pearson; Jonno Smales, Rob Snodgrass, Bill Redfern, Alex Varley; James Houtby, Ed Holliday, Paul Parr, Darrell Harrison; Chris Johnson, Riley Marsden.
Subs: Stephen Holder, Ben Horbury.
Referee: Allen Cooper
BBS FC 3-3 Inter Blades (Sheffield United)
AN 89th minute equaliser from skipper Bill Redfern capped a stirring comeback and earned BBS FC a deserved point at home to local rivals Sheffield United.
Debuts were handed to Lee Beard (Lee) and John Harper (Bagpuss) as Barnsley continue to build up a sizeable squad which will hopefully enable them to fulfill more regular fixtures in the future. James Houtby made his first appearance in goal as well in a makeshift side in the absence of Steve Pearson and Barnsley66.
The visitors began brightly and largely dominated the first ten minutes as Barnsley struggled to get hold of the ball in midfield. However, it was the Reds who opened the scoring soon after through Riley Marsden (KFC). United failed to deal with a ball into the penalty area, and with Kevin Pressman lookalike goalkeeper Chris Shackleton getting lost in his area, Marsden coolly toe poked the ball home from 12 yards.
The goal clearly gave Barnsley confidence as they began to get back into the game. However, huge Blades centre half Daz Whitehead (at least 6'6 and well built!!) was dealing with any aerial threat that the hosts offered in the tough wet and blustery conditions. It wasn't long though before a goal was once again scored against the run of play, as United winger Steve Jones superbly volleyed in a pinpoint right wing cross despite Barnsley's vain appeals for a possible offside.
Marsden was then unlucky not to restore the Reds' lead as his powerful header was hacked off the line by the desperate Blades defence. The visitors took the lead soon after in controversial circumstances. A low right wing cross came into the near post and appeared to be set to run through to goalkeeper Houtby. However, the ball somehow ended up in the net, with the keeper claiming he had been held by scorer Anthony Jackson. There were also claims that Jackson had put the ball into the net with his hand, but the referee from the Blades' allowed the goal to stand.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 1-2 Inter Blades
Barnsley were fired up for the second half as they searched for the equaliser their first half performance deserved. But despite starting the second period the brighter, they soon found themselves further behind. United's right back Brown aimed a cross towards the far post but luckily mishit it over Houtby's head into the far corner of the Barnsley net.
The Reds had been struggling to get a hold of the midfield in the first half, but Rich Brown (RB), Ed Holliday and Paul Parr gradually wrested control and helped the home side to fight their way back into the game. Jonno Smales replaced Houtby in between the posts with around 20 minutes to go as the latter suffered a knee injury. Barnsley began to create chances at regular intervals and saw one effort come back off the bar and another one hacked off the line.
The crucial goal came with around ten minutes to go as Brown fired into the bottom left corner from 20 yards following neat build up from the Reds' midfield. This galvanised the Reds and United soon found themselves under concerted pressure. Redfern was thrown forward for the last five minutes in the hope that his aerial ability would cause the Blades an extra problem. The script could hardly have been written any better as Redfern rose majestically to loop home Lee's wonderful left wing cross into the top left corner of the visitors' net.
United were clearly disappointed and even threw charismatic keeper Shackleton up for a late corner in a desperate attempt to recover the three points, but Barnsley deservedly held on for a valuable draw.
Credit to the Blades, they are a great set of lads and really gave us a tough game. We look forward to hopefully playing the return game in a few weeks' time in Sheffield.
BBS FC: (4-4-2): James Houtby; Jonno Smales, Bill Redfern, Stephen Holder (GudjonFan), Alex Varley; Allen Cooper, Paul Parr, Richard Brown, Lee Beard; Riley Marsden, Ed Holliday.
Subs (all used on a roll-on, roll-off system): John Harper, Matt Bailey, Darrell Harrison (Spartacus)
Inter Blades: (4-4-2): Chris Shackleton; Danny Brown, Daz Whitehead, Kirk, Danny Shepherd; Anthony Jackson, Adi, Birchy, Steve Jones; Scott Kelly, Nathan Walker.
Subs: Martin, Spen
BBS FC 4-2 Hull City
TWO goals in the last seven minutes ensured that BBS FC gained sweet revenge for last week’s 5-0 hammering at Hull City in the return game at Shaw Lane.
Once again there were two debutants for Barnsley, with forwards Rob Pick (BFCFan4Life) and Simon Newey making their first appearances for the team. The Reds were able to name a strong team with Martin Beaumont returning to the side after missing the last couple of games and six substitutes named on the bench.
The hosts started the game well with Newey looking particularly bright early on, but it was Hull who took the lead after just five minutes. The visitors from East Yorkshire won a corner and Ryan Windass somehow managed to scramble the ball home as Barnsley failed to clear the ball despite having numerous chances to do so.
Chances came and went for both sides, but the clearest one fell to Newey after 20 minutes. Some superb passing in the midfield from the Reds eventually saw Beaumont and Pick play the striker in, but he skewed is shot wide of the keeper’s left-hand post from 10 yards.
Newey used his pace to get away from the Hull defence again minutes later as he set off down the inside left channel before having his shirt almost pulled off his back by a City defender. The resultant free-kick was headed just over by Jon Harper (Bagpuss).
Despite the blustery conditions, Barnsley were playing some decent football and getting the ball wide, something they often had struggled to do in other games. Chris Johnson (bfcbub), Darrell Harrison (Spartacus) and Beaumont all impressed on the wing and were creating decent openings for the Reds’ forwards. Having regular midfielders Paul Parr and Ed Holliday back after missing last week’s defeat was also crucial in the hosts’ improved performance. However, the cutting edge was lacking and the visitors held on to their 1-0 lead at the interval.
HALF TIME: BBS FC 0-1 Hull City
The second period started in a similar vein to that which the first had ended, with both sides dogged in defence and just struggling to find the game’s second goal. Harrison came close to scoring a cracking equaliser on the hour mark though, as his piledriver from the right corner of the area skimmed the top of the crossbar with the keeper rooted to the spot.
The equaliser eventually came after 63 minutes through the dangerous Johnson as he toe poked home from twelve yards after his initial effort was blocked.
Hull then felt they should have had a penalty as Jonno Smales made a strong challenge on the edge of the area, but Harper, referee at the time, ignored the vociferous claims for the spot-kick.
Barnsley went for it by making four changes a couple of minutes later to try and freshen up the side, with debutants Pick and Newey re-introduced to the fray. However, it was the visitors who re-took the lead just three minutes later with Chris Whiting's fine 18-yard shot from the angle finding Steve Pearson’s bottom left corner.
Despite the goal though, the Reds were gradually taking control of the game. With a quarter of an hour to go, substitute Allen Cooper found Pick in space 25 yards out, and his smart pass was turned in expertly by Newey from just inside the area.
Hull immediately looked for a goal to go back in front, but Stephen Holder (GudjonFan) and Bill Redfern were imposing presences at the back and repelled anything the visitors could offer.
Barnsley took the lead for the first time in the game with seven minutes to go. Yet another corner was forced by the Reds, and this time Holliday’s set piece found the head of the apparently invisible Redfern who rose unmarked to power a header into the top corner.
Hull started to throw bodies forward, but to no avail. Indeed with just three minutes remaining, Barnsley added their fourth goal – for the first time ever. Cooper got forward from right-back to play Pick in on the edge of the City area. His shot was well saved by the keeper diving to his right, but fox-in-the-box Newey was on hand to knock in the rebound.
The team were delighted to be cheered on by a number of members of the BBS. Present were Laura and Crystal Herring (Big Lils), clubshop Matthew, Alityke along with Amanda and friend Amy. The support really is appreciated by the whole team. Thanks.
BBS FC: (4-4-2): Steve Pearson; Jon Harper (sub 25, on 65), Julian White (sub 45, on 80), Bill Redfern, Alex Varley (sub 80); Chris Johnson (sub 65, on 88), Paul Parr (sub 65), Ed Holliday (sub 88), Martin Beaumont (sub 45); Rob Pick (sub 25, on 65), Simon Newey (sub 25, on 65)
Subs: Darrell Harrison (on 25), Jonno Smales (on 25, off 65), Riley Marsden (on 25, off 65), Stephen Holder (on 45), Lee Beard (on 45), Allen Cooper (on 65).
Goals: Chris Johnson (63), Simon Newey (75, 87), Bill Redfern (83).
Referees: Allen Cooper (first half), Jon Harper (46-65), Jonno Smales (65-90)
Reports courtesy of Allen Cooper - others will appear here soon.
bravenet.com