SOMETIMES IT'S GOOD TO BE WRONG

Just a fortnight ago, via this blog, I wrote this season off. In my mind we were relegated that afternoon after Bournemouth's late winner. I had resigned myself to what seemed at the time inevitable, that this poor squad of players weren't capable of putting a run of results together, that Danny wasn't a miracle worker after all, and began to get my head around visits to Bramall Lane and other tinpot grounds in the third tier. 
Not only that, I suggested the likes of Stephen Dawson, Tom Kennedy and Jean-Yves M'Voto weren't good enough. I don't feel at all foolish two weeks and three games later. The season has been a nightmare to be honest, and only a small few players can hold their heads high in my opinion. So you can't blame me or anyone else for surrendering. It had appeared to me that the players had already done so. But I am happy to be surprised, to be re-enthused, and I pray that the last couple of weeks and performances aren't a mere blip in what has been a sorry old campaign for BFC and it's supporters. 


I'm referring - obviously - to the back to back away victories in Reading and Yeovil, and to yesterdays point against Brighton at Oakwell. Seven points from a possible nine, the kind of form needed if we're to prove everyone (including myself) wrong once more and retain our status in the second tier. 


It's not often in my years supporting this little club of ours that I've been impressed with a home point, even less so when the game has ended 0-0. But I left Oakwell yesterday very proud of my club, it's players and especially our supporters who attended the game. It was everything that I love about BFC. Honesty, graft, spirit and always looking to attack the opposition. I suppose a bit of quality was lacking at times, but I don't 'expect' that. I expect the other things mentioned, and for once this season at Oakwell we had them by the bucket load. Those efforts were appreciated by everyone inside the ground of a red persuasion, and we supporters can be just as proud of ourselves as we are of the lads who wore that shirt with pride for 90+ minutes. 

Yesterday was a tad different for us, as myself, Red Roy and West Ham Dave decided to sit in the Ponty End, rather than the West Stand. We were regretting it early on, we were very low down behind the goal and our view wasn't the best. However, we were treated to a fantastic atmosphere and it felt good to have been a part of it. 
Pre-match was different as well, as we decided to drink in the Hoyle Mill Inn as I fancied meeting up with a few reds fans I'd not seen in a while. It was a pleasure as always, although I did feel slightly rude on occasion. Trouble is, my trips back 'home' are so fleeting I try and see/speak to so many folk, and always feel like I'm being ignorant towards others. But hey ho, I saw plenty of familiar faces and enjoyed a good few pints in their company. 


I was a little surprised to see us revert back to one up front, with Chris O'Grady playing the lone striker. No idea why Reuben Noble-Lazarus wasn't included. His recent performances have apparently been ignored and like Jacob Mellis he wasn't even given a place on the bench. But Paddy McCourt was. I can only assume such decisions are based on their efforts in training. 
So it meant that Ryan McLaughlin got another start. The Liverpool loanee starting on the right wing, Dale Jennings continuing to play the opposite side, and Tomasz Cywka given another start, playing off O'Grady. I suppose the thinking may have revolved around trying to flood midfield against a side that like to retain possession. But it certainly limits you in terms of chance creation. Which turned out to be the case from minute one. 


To be fair, packing the midfield looked a good tactic initially as we were virtually camped inside the Brighton half for the opening 15 minutes or so. We were using the right flank well, with McLaughlin in particular having plenty of joy against Stephen Ward, the Brighton full back. A silky McLaughlin run was ended cynically by Ward just outside the box close to the byline. He was booked, but soon afterwards received just a warning for another challenge. Same goes for Argentine whingebag Leo Ulloa. The Albion striker doing a great impression of Paolo Di Canio circa 1997-98. In terms of being a colossal bellend. Constantly moaning, gesturing towards referee (and fellow bellend) Tony Harrington. Like Ward, he too was booked. But only after whingeing at the ref. And like Ward, he then put in another similar challenge only to receive just a warning. I said to the lads at the time, had that been one of our players he'd have been dismissed. 
Then there was Rodriguez, who at one point fell to the ground as though shot by a sniper from the West Stand gantry. Rolling around the turf in what looked to be excruciating pain. Roll left ten yards, roll right ten yards, scream like a banshee. We got the full repertoire. He didn't get the decision though and was up as quick as he fell. The gret poof. 


I can't recall a noteworthy effort for either side in that first period, but I'll try. There was a Jennings 20 yard speculator that was never bothering Albion keeper Tomasz Kucszcak. We had a handful of dangerously placed free kicks that Cywka wasted. And Brighton themselves created a small opening after the reds (for once) decided to sit off Rodriguez, but their resulting shot was smacked well over Luke Steele's crossbar. 
On Steele, I thought he was faultless again yesterday and is giving me reason upon reason to vote for him as POTY again. He has his weaknesses, who doesn't? But an on form Steele (he's been that way since he returned, in my opinion) is as good as you're going to get/see at this level. Folk refer to Kasper Schmeichel at Leicester as the best, some suggest we had the best on loan in Jack Butland. I'd suggest folk watch both goals those keepers conceded this weekend. There was one particular moment yesterday where Luke claimed a devilish cross above the heads of his own defender and an Albion forward, held onto the ball brilliantly, and within seconds had launched it upfield as accurate as you like. His knockers will have missed that, mind. 

Despite the lack of quality, or chances created, I cheered the lads off at half time vociferously. They deserved it. Because the desire and determination was there. The fight, the battling qualities so often lacking this season were all in evidence throughout that opening 45 minutes. For what we lacked in ingenuity, we more than made up for with grit and graft. The back four were tremendous to a man. The way Kelvin Etuhu has slotted in so seamlessly at right back is not to be overlooked. He kept two 'proper' full backs out yesterday, such has been the quality of his work there. Then at left back, the player I've criticised more than any other this season. But nothing pleases me more than giving credit to our players, and Kennedy (not for the first time under Danny) was incredibly good. Some wonderfully timed tackles, got his head in when needed, and got up the pitch well to put over some cracking crosses. But it was his all round passing game that caught my eye. I'm not privy to the stats, but I would be surprised if his pass completion wasn't above 90% such was his accuracy. An exceptional display. 

I got my first real look at the M'Voto and Lewin Nyatanga partnership, and solid would be my favoured adjective. Not only that, both looked calm on the ball. I'm delighted for the pair of them, but more so Big John. My previously favoured adjective concerning him would have been 'useless'. I'm not going to go overboard and claim he's the bees knees all of a sudden, but if he can continue to perform at his current level on a regular basis, Martin Cranie won't get a sniff once he returns to full fitness. And I certainly never imagined I'd be saying that, two weeks after the Bournemouth debacle. 

But anyway, back to the game. The second half started brightly for us, and after an initial driving Dawson run from deep, a looping Kennedy cross from the left flank was met at the far stick by McLaughlin whose header hit the bar and fell kindly for the visitors with reds men waiting to pounce. The atmosphere was ramped up by now in the home ends. Instigated by a seemingly never ending rendition of the 'Great Escape' them tune. Not only am I as proud as it gets that we got right behind them, I'm happy that we've found this seasons survival 'tune'. I can't stand the 'Don't Worry' chant anymore. It reminds me of last season, that squad, that manager. I don't mean that in a bad way, I just think it's dated now. It's still getting aired here and there, but we've now got a song for this season, this squad, this manager. 
The Conga line was the icing on the cake. Although I'm a little confused now I've slept on it. It's not okay to sit in any other seat but the one you've been allocated. Stewards will wade in and shift you if they have to. But a hundred strong Conga line going up and down the gangways isn't a problem, apparently. Neither are, in my opinion. Oh, and I didn't sit in my allocated seat. I never do. Rebel that I am. 

A few minutes after the McLaughlin chance, we had another. Again it came from a Kennedy cross, this one was put in with more meat on it and Big John came through a sea of players and for once he met the ball perfectly with his bald head, only it somehow went a foot wide when probably easier to score. The thud as first it hit his head, then as it crashed against the hoarding was deafening. He looked horrified, bless him. But one of these days it'll go in for him, and I cannot wait for it to do so. In fact, he again did brilliantly to get on the end of another cross but this time his header lacked the necessary power to trouble Kuszczak. 

During this spell we were ridiculously reduced to ten men, as the bellend in purple decided to forget what decisions he'd previously made. The final warnings dished out to Brighton players rather than cards weren't deemed appropriate when it came to dealing with our players, and in particular Etuhu. The lad hadn't committed one foul all match, and after again winning the ball superbly on halfway, the ref not only gave Albion's substitute winger Kazenga Lua Lua the free kick his antics were after, he showed Kelvin a yellow card. It wasn't a foul. I'm biased, obviously. But it really wasn't. However, a couple of minutes later it was a foul by the same player, on the same player. It was the faintest of touches, but a foul it was. The referee then sent Etuhu off, and pretty much killed the game. Although I reckon Danny might have done that himself anyway when he brought Nick Proschwitz on. He gave a fifteen minute cameo akin to that of Richard Naylor in his Barnsley pomp some twelve years ago. It was blatant to everyone other than Danny it seems, that we needed some quality alongside O'Grady, some pace or trickery, someone to stretch the opposition. Basically, Noble-Lazarus. But with him being ignored, and Paddy seemingly not trusted, we instead got to see Proschwitz lumber around the field, unable to control the football or beat a snail for pace. 

For the last ten minutes or so we came under expected pressure, and a couple of scares came and went. We held out for the point, more than deservedly, but rather than leaving the ground talking about how great the lads were, we once again muttered expletives to one and other about yet another incompetent referee. 
I'm not sure we'd have got the goal I think our efforts merited anyway, had we still had a full compliment but that red card certainly spoiled the game. The inconsistency of referees is what galls you the most. For instance, every time O'Grady won a challenge up front the official punished him. However, Ulloa for the visitors was able to do as he pleased. He could have been sent off at least twice, but no, referee Harrington decided to give one of the match's most honest players his marching orders instead, for two innocuous challenges to say the least. Bravo, mate. You've joined a rather long (and growing) list of incompetent bellends who've brought their ego and whistle to little old Barnsley this season. Carry on like that and you'll be a Premier League ref in no time. 




RATINGS 


Steele - You'd have to live near a run down water park to describe his performance yesterday as anything but faultless. Came and claimed everything, great distribution and a great late save to deny Lua Lua. 8 


Etuhu - Has taken to right back like a duck to water. Made some good raids down the right in support of McLaughlin, won plenty of challenges, neat and tidy on the ball and didn't deserve to be sent off. 8 


M'Voto - Towering performance from Big John. Looked assured on the ball, brought it out of defence nicely at times, and won everything in the air as normal. Just a shame he couldn't hit the target with that header. 8 


Nyatanga - Like Big John, he won his aerial duels all afternoon, was positioned well whenever Brighton broke on us and showed a calmness on the ball when needed. Great stuff. Like a new signing. 8 


Kennedy - Probably the best I've seen him play at Oakwell this season. Solid defensively, no hesitancy for once. A threat going forward, put in some wonderful crosses. Quality usage of the ball and really looked up for it. He gets the nod from me for MOTM. 9 


Dawson - Typical Dawson. Energetic, driving from midfield. Never shirked a challenge, always getting stuck in. But as usual he gave away the ball in daft positions at times. But still, I thought he was decent all round. 7 


Lawrence - He apparently looked the part in the two away wins, but other than being 'steady' enough first half, he looked off the pace to me at times and was practically invisible during the latter stages of the game. Good on the ball though, and doesn't lack effort. 7 


Jennings - The worst I've seen him play since Danny brought him back into the fold. He wasn't awful or owt, but nothing seemed to come off for him yesterday. Fell over his own feet a few times and generally got little change out of Calderon. 6 


Cywka - Another rather forgetful display from Polish Tom. Like Jennings he wasn't awful, but he was ineffective throughout and for me I'd prefer to see Paddy given a chance. 6 


McLaughlin - Very good at times, a little sloppy at others. Can tell he's young from the errors he makes and the exuberance he shows. I'd like to see him here next season if possible. Did well to beat his man for the header that hit the bar. 8 


O'Grady - Held the ball up well as ever, linked play nicely and ran himself into the ground. You appreciate his efforts even more when you see Proschwitz play the same role so poorly. Just a shame we didn't have a Pedersen or Noble-Lazarus up there with him to share the workload. 8 

Red Roy and West Ham Dave

WHITEY'S FINAL THOUGHTS 

We're just two points away from safety now, and I think we should be pleased with the weekend overall. We've another huge game on Tuesday as we welcome Premier League bound Burnley to Oakwell and I don't think we've any reason to fear them. The returns of Kieran Trippier and Jason Shackell add extra spice to the affair but I don't remember the Clarets doing that well against us over the years at our place. It should be a cracker. 

I've very little to say on the allegations of spot fixing that concerns our captain. It's business as usual as far as I'm concerned and will remain that way until we are told otherwise. 

I can't emphasize enough, just how proud I felt yesterday to be a reds fan. Not that I'm not normally or owt, but all facets of the afternoon were bang on and the apathetic mood I've developed over the season has been replaced by optimism, hope and immense pride. We don't ask for much us Tarn supporters. Just wear that shirt of ours with a similar pride, try your best and play to win. You do that for us, and you'll get the kind of love and adoration that was on show yesterday. 

It's amazing what a couple of weeks can do. But let's not be silly and say it's purely down to results. It's really not. We didn't win yesterday. We hardly tested their keeper. But the team gave it their all and for that you can't ever grumble. If we go down playing like this, I'll be both surprised but accepting of it. We've got the best manager we've ever had at the helm once more. He still baffles me with the odd selection (he did in the 90's as well). But the bloke knows who and what we are, as a club and fanbase, and above all else, he's a blummin' good manager. 

A quick bit of praise for Brighton keeper Kuszczak. Lovely gesture from him at full time. Just a few yards in front of us a few young fans went to him hoping for an autograph or whatever, and the big man gave the smallest lad his shirt after a quick 'eeny meeny miny mo'. A credit to his club. 

Finally, just a reminder that on the 19th of this month sees the fourth and final issue this season of the fantastic BFC fanzine 'West Stand Bogs'. I'm sure it'll be another good read, I've contributed to it myself on this occasion so blame me if it isn't. But the lads at the fanzine deserve huge praise for their efforts on it this season. Some serious work goes into a thing like this and to have raised the best part of £5,000 for charities in little over six months is blinding. It's the pride that gets you. Every time. 

I've stopped waving the white flag for a while and jumped back onboard the survival bandwagon. Fickle? No. In love with my club? Always. So aye, sometimes, it's good to be wrong. 

Thanks for reading, 

Up The Tarn! 

Man of the Match - TK