FA Cup fourth round action for Town. The last tim eTown got into the fifth round we lost to Manchester United who crashed out to Middlesborough and the season before it was the blue half of Manchester that knocked Town out. We managed to get the victory today to book a place against Forest who have taken the scalps of Arsenal & Leicester this season. It will be a close contest with us having won at their place despite Forest being well on top and Forest won at the John Smiths’ to spark a revival.
For the game against Barnsley we made several changes as some rotation was used. This could have been risky and could have upset the momentum that we have built up but it proved to be a good move in the end. We dominated the early exchanges and tehre was no surprise when Thomas did well to head cleverly to the unrushing Holmes, who controlled the ball at speed with his right foot and finished with the left. Town continued to dominate but did not really force many clear openings until late on. Ward on for Rhodes who started for the first time shot against the post and the rebound fell away from Thomas who would of had a tap in. Then with Barnsley pressing forward space was left at the back and Thomas fed the impressive Russell who with the just the keeper to beat put his effort past the post. Sarr did turn a cross against his own post when there was no pressure on him but that was the closest Barnsley came other than the late goal that was ruled out for a foul, although I have to admit I don’t believe there was one, however Turton also had the ball in the back of the net which was ruled out for offside although he appeared onside.
Ratings
Blackman
Making his debut he never had any real shots to save just a few long range effort fired directly at him. He did look composed and assured controlling the game from the back and his passing was solid.
Rating 7
Pearson
Had a good solid game at the back and did not panic.
Rating 7
Sarr
Had a scare in the first half which he recovered from but there was no need to try and cut the cross out which he diverted against the post as there was no pressure on Blackman who would of had a easy catch.
Rating 5
Turton (on for Pipa)
Had a good solid game and deserved his goal which was ruled out.
Rating 7
Russell
A very mature and measured performance in the middle. Kept the passing simple and to feet moving the ball quickly forward. He is a big lad and protected the ball well. Deserved the goal which he should have scored at the end.
Rating 8 MOM
O’Brien
Good solid game as ever and is looking better as the season progresses.
Rating 8
Pipa
Had to go off in the first half due to injury
Ruffels
It was good to see him get 90 minutes and did a very good job. Showed that we do have some strngth in depth.
Rating 7
Eiting
Had a good game probing and again good for him to get the game time.
Rating 7
Thomas
Constantly caused Barnsley problems and on another day would of had 3 assists for his efforts. Appears to be back on form.
Rating 8
Koroma
A little quiet but Barnsley still struggled to cope with him.
Rating 6
Rhodes
Worked well on his birthday and was kept busy with the towering Barnsley defence.
Rating 6
View From the Stand 