PORT VALE REPORT

It's been a while since I've felt motivated enough to update this blog, I've been feeling a little bit 'Jennings' about it to be honest. It's not just via this vehicle though, I've tempered my enthusiasm on twitter and the forum too. Is it apathy or insouciance again? I've been plagued with that a lot over the last year or two. Or is it just circumstance? I mean, it's difficult isn't it to form opinions or make a judgment on an ever-changing topic? 

We've seen nearly 40 different lads pull on that famous shirt this season. It seems we've yet more new faces on the way. Our performances and thus our results are inconsistent at best. We lose every other game. The one player I've appreciated watching for us this season has missed the last couple of months of football. So aye, it's hard to find the enthusiasm. Perhaps apathy reigns again? Or has, reigned. Because here I am now, attempting to reignite my lust for everything BFC. 

It's trying. But I'm trying. 





Our opponents yesterday were mid table Port Vale. They'd beaten us in the reverse fixture with a late Mark Marshall strike, and they arrived at Oakwell with 'star' striker Tom Pope back from injury and just a few hundred supporters following them, which made it probably one Vale fan for every copper. Yes, there'd been some bother down in Burslem, back in September between a minority of both sets of fans and the police. The aftermath of that rumbled on for a while. The police even registered on our forum asking for information/names etc. 

That trouble apparently forced yesterdays game to be classified as all-ticket, and according to our own CEO the club will have made a financial loss because of that and the police bill. It was also revealed at a recent fan engagement forum that we're the worst club of the 92 for anti-social related behaviour and/or arrests. I'm yet to see this claim backed up with any kind of facts, but then I see no reason not to believe Ben Mansford who for any criticism received is pretty open with the fanbase. 

None of the above is good to hear. We've had a pretty awful few years of it being reds fans haven't we? Despite that, we've shown - as fans - that we're a loyal bunch, and within that fanbase we've some very good individuals who've brought nothing but pride and good publicity to BFC. Shame then that a few pillocks are seemingly more in focus. 

But enough of all that, there was a match played yesterday and here's what I've got to say about it, along with my usual nonsense of little relevance that I like to pad out the blog with. 

I met up with the gruesome twosome as usual, Red Roy and West Ham Dave, but also in attendance was Roy's lad and a former colleague of mine, Adam. Or as I like to call him, Alien Head. We had a quick pint in town before heading down Grove Street and into Redfearn's. I can't stress enough just how appreciative I am of this venue. If last seasons football was overshadowed positively by the emergence of the West Stand Bogs fanzine, then this seasons football has been easier to digest thanks to Redfearn's bar and the terrific lads/lasses involved in making it work as smoothly as it does. 

Was good to see so many familiar faces, and also nice to put new faces to names. You know who you are. I took my coat off, so as to feel the benefit when going to our seats in the Ponty. Probably wouldn't be that cold anyway to be fair as I was sure Roy would have booked us tickets pretty high up the stand, he's not daft. We took our pews, invited Phil (of Hemsworth fame) over to sit with us and rambled on about owt and nowt for an hour or so, had a couple of drinks before leaving at about 2.50pm. But only after the starting lineup and subs had been announced. Starts for Big 'Funny' Jean (PG rated) and Kane Hemmings surprised me. And knowing our Sam was back in the squad made me feel happy and warm... 

Red Roy, Phil, West Ham Dave and Alien Head

I wasn't warm once outside and heading for our seats. Before that though, Roy handing out our tickets like we were naughty kids being punished as such. "here... and if you carry on, I'll be getting you an away ticket as well". We found our seats. Good old Roy. He's not behind t'dooer. Just left of the nets, about 10 rows up. Reight laugh. And I'd left my gloves, scarf and hat at home. Quality. At least we could locate our position though. Dave (who's not called Dave) went for a slash in the first half, didn't return for 10 minutes. He'd got lost. Think he ended up in the East Stand. At half time, we left him talking to a mate outside about lorries and motorways etc, hid from him, and stood on the gangway watching him looking at the row we'd sat on first half, wondering where we were, wondering if he'd got lost again. This is the same Dave who according to Roy ended up in Denmark in his lorry recently rather than his intended destination of Germany. 



I always say this, but if you want to read a match report then there are plenty available but this isn't one of them. This is me remembering the odd event, discussing the tarn performance and giving Jennings stick. 

I thought we were quite poor in the opening stages. A couple of nothing balls into our box weren't dealt with by M'Voto but both Williamson and Pope weren't able to finish thankfully. We had that ten minute stoppage when one of their lads went down under an Hourihane challenge (see, he does make them). He came straight back on though after that lengthy treatment. Panto boos all round. We had some joy down the right with Lalkovic, our only real threat to be honest. He put in three great crosses which we failed to get on the end of. He had Dickinson's number, but the former reds loanee wasn't allowing him into the box, happy to let him put balls over or play passes inside which both Hourihane and Pearson in particular lost pretty quickly through either poor control or poor passing themselves. 

Our corners were decent as ever, and Ramage forced their keeper to punch one behind although he ought to have caught it I feel. Same again when Jennings decided to wake up for a minute and did his party piece of cutting inside and unleashing a blast from distsance. The keeper, Neal, pushing it over rather than holding it. The supposed reds target, Pope had another opportunity, again getting the better of M'Voto but his shot on the volley came off his shin and ended in the Ponty with us a few rows back where it was probably warmer. Eh, Roy? 

We took a fortunate lead in my opinion, as we entered the seven added minutes of injury time. The ineffective Jennings waddled over to the right, Lalkovic to the left and Milan the man immediately beat his full back, and the closing centre half before drilling a cross/shot over from the byline which Neal inexplicably turned into his own net. Bizarre, and the response from the crowd was rather muted. Apparently, so say Port Vale at least, the ball was a foot over the line when Lalkovic struck it. I've seen replays since and it looks suspect, for sure. But a foot over? Gi'or wi thi sen. An inch at best. 

And so we went in at the break leading despite being just as bang average as usual. The opposition were even worse, mind. But aye, it wasn't much fun. And it was cold.. 

The second half started off in a far more exciting manner, especially when Pearson picked up the ball deep in his own territory and began to run. He never stopped. Oreight, there weren't any challenges going in, but he broke at good speed and once within range he went for placement with the left foot and his shot was deflected off a defender and past Neal for 2-0. It was a heartwarming effort. My body remained cold though. 

I fully expected us to take them apart after that. I've watched tarn for 27 years now, so no idea why I expected that. And lo and behold, I expected wrong. What we got instead was a backs to the wall, 'brave' defensive rearguard action type thingy. Or, as I like to call it, we sat back like plums and invited a poor Port Vale onto us. No idea why. There was definitely the opportunity to score more goals, help out the goal difference etc. 

The first chance for the visitors came when Marshall jinked his way down the left and his cross was fumbled by Turnbull, hacked away by M'Voto but straight into Nyatanga, the ball ricocheting off him and only just over the bar and out for a corner. It was a close shave. Vale midfielder O'Connor then tried an audacious chip from the edge of the box, and Birchall's drive flew just over moments later as the inevitable goal seemed, erm, well, inevitable. 

Reds celebrate Pearson's solo strike

That goal came just after the hour mark when Dickinson put over a delicious first time cross from the left which substitute Daniel stabbed home unmarked. I feared the worst at this stage, and we were crying out for a change in midfield where again we were losing the battle, despite the best efforts of Pearson and a retreating Waring. I expected Jennings to be replaced myself. He'd offered his usual stuff - runs at folk now and again, beats them quite often, but no end product and some shocking short passes. 

The main issue I have with him though? His unwillingness to work. He allowed Dickinson and Marshall to team up down that flank and give Cranie all kinds of trouble. Not just his defensive work though, it's the attacking work too. He makes no runs. He's just stationary throughout. It's sad to see because he looks a lot leaner now, so I'm guessing he's fit. But again, there was one run and shot that he fired off (which was good to be fair) and he's on his knees afterwards, gasping for breath. It's proper weird. Terrific young footballer, but does he 'want it'? I'm open to debate on that. 

Anyway, Danny took Lalkovic off instead. Probably our best player to that point. On came Scowen for his home debut, and he added some bite to proceedings and no little quality too, which was good to see. Impressive little cameo. But Vale were still threatening. A corner from Lines was met by Pope at the far stick but his goalbound header was cleared brilliantly off the line by Hourihane. I'd assumed prior to that that Conor had disappeared through some kind of space/time portal or whatever, such was his impact, or lack of in that second half. But he did well on the line there, and soon afterwards he got off a trademark 20 yarder that Neal turned away well. 

We began to create chances again at this stage, as Vale pressed for a leveller. A lucky break ran for Hemmings who fired wide from an angle about 12 yards out. Another Hourihane scorcher was well blocked by a defender. Next goal winner. 

With around 10 minutes left to play, Danny had a change of heart and didn't put Lita on, instead we saw the return of Winnall, replacing a very dejected looking Hemmings who again had failed to take his first team opportunity, an opportunity he might not see again for a while. Shame, because he tries. But yesterday he looked out of his depth. Unlike the returning hero who showed us what we'd been missing since November with his terrific work rate, ability to create space and his direct attitude. Both he and Hourihane forced Neal into another couple of saves, Sam then delayed his pass into Conor which wasted a great opportunity to put the game to bed. But we looked lively towards the end, some positive signs. 

A final chance came for Vale in the 95th minute as Birchall's 25 yard drive was held but only at the second attempt by Turnbull. Despite the wally of a ref playing far too much added time, we hung on, and probably merited the victory and very valuable three points. 

I'll do some ratings then, eh? Feel free to pull them to pieces in the comments section at the bottom of the page. Or, just comment. Sup to thee. Am not thi dad or owt. 

ROSS TURNBULL - Didn't have much to do in terms of shot stopping. No fault for the goal. Claimed some high crosses well, bit nervy though on the ground once or twice. 6. 


MARTIN CRANIE - A solid return for the captain. First half especially, he put in some cracking tackles and supported Lalkovic well as an attacking outlet. Had his work cut out with Marshall second half but a good display by the bloke who loves toast. 8. 


PETER RAMAGE - Back from his latest injury, and played ok. Nothing more, nothing less. 6. 


JEAN-YVÉS M'VOTO - Standard Big Jean. A few iffy moments, some French flair as usual, and won plenty in the air against Pope who matched him well to be honest. Nothing much to write home about otherwise. 6. 


LEWIN NYATANGA - Thought he was as good as Cranie playing out of position, but I've dropped him a mark for the goal. I think Daniel was his man. 7. 


BEN PEARSON - He looks like a mascot playing professional football. First half, he couldn't find a pass, refused to shoot and other than graft I wasn't impressed much. Second half he held us together at times, ran the game for us and capped off a fine 45 with that lung busting run and goal. 9. 


CONOR HOURIHANE - Drifts in and out of the game. Doesn't look the player he did early doors. But still a threat with his deliveries, still forced the keeper into saves and cleared off the line. Even put a few tackles in. I rate him. But yesterday he wasn't great. I think Winnall's return will help him. Movement is key. 6. 


DALE JENNINGS - Shows what he's about in positive terms for small spells here and there. For the rest of it, he's practically begging to be dropped. One of those lads who looks gutted to be living the dream. He wants to try factory work, it's ace. Trust me. 5. 


MILAN LALKOVÍC - Looks like another good find. Works hard, full of tricks, bags of pace, not so sure regards end product at this very early stage, but technically he looks far too good to be playing at this level. I assume he's not totally match sharp either. Can't wait to see him and Winnall in the same side. 8. 


KANE HEMMINGS - Worked hard but lacks confidence I reckon. Nothing went for him, and he looked like a dead man walking when subbed off. I fear he's running out of chances. 5. 


GEORGE WARING - Put in a terrific shift, showed good touches and brought others into play. Basically gave us the sort of outlet, target man display we've asked for all season. Could be a good foil for Winnall. 9. 


JOSH SCOWEN - Showed some of the anticipated tenacity and bite, but also a touch of class on the ball. Only 20 minutes or so, but in that brief showing, I wouldn't mind seeing him start on Tuesday alongside Pearson. 7. 


SAM WINNALL - Didn't look like he'd been out for 10 weeks at all. Just as hard working, creative and threatening as ever. Gave the fans a great lift. A fit and on form Sam Winnall is the key to us pushing on and ending the season in good spirits. 8. 


PAUL DIGBY - Wasn't on long enough to judge. 




DANNY WILSON - Obviously went with the four centre halves, our experienced laikers in an effort to quell the direct approach of the visitors. Not sure it worked myself, as Vale certainly had their chances with our defence in bother on more than one occasion. His quotes on Pope all week have bothered me too. I thought we didn't go about our business in that manner. I thought wrong. Seems very Sheffield United of us to be talking about other clubs' players. It's another three points at Oakwell though, we've certainly tightened it up as well recently, and if we can back that up with another home win on Tuesday, perhaps Danny can escape stick for a while. Had Vale equalized yesterday, I can only imagine the reaction online etc... 6/10. 

I was tempted to rate the Jackson's carrier bag that made an appearance first half. It showed some good endeavour down the left hand side. The ballboy near us too, he did well. Touched the ball more than Hourihane first half. Had a face like a wet weekend though. Probably a Wednesdayite. Gutted that I didn't get to abuse Michael '****' Brown though. To be fair though, had he 'played', I doubt Pearson's run would have been so lengthy. And it was lovely to give a little clap to Dickinson on his return, just prior to the second half kicking off, which he reciprocated. Wouldn't mind him back here as it goes. Forget Pope, Danny, bring back Dicko. 



So onto Tuesday, and the visit of Oldham. Not the visit of Ched Evans though. Thank the lord/allah/elephants/whatever. But a return for Jacob Mellis. Who just a few weeks ago was laughing at us on instagram, mocking League One. Never a good idea for pro footballers to act up like that on social media. Especially if you're a bit of an arsé like Mellis who was always bound to end up on loan somewhere dire, like Oldham. I won't be there on Tuesday, but I've given Alien Head permission to call him a tosser for me. Maybe even wave his fist at him, angrily for a couple of seconds. That'll teach him. 

Not the Jackson's carrier bag

In other news, it's been pretty much confirmed that the supporters trust in association with West Stand Bogs will be arranging another charity walk, this time from Barnsley to Bradford. Penultimate game of the season, the day to remember those who perished so tragically at Valley Parade, 30 years ago. It's a cracking idea. 

Issue 7 of WSB will soon be around the corner too, out for the Crewe game I believe. And the recently launched Football Report on Barnsley Radio has gone down well, 7pm til 9pm on Monday evenings, hosted by Jake and Spencer. Myself and Matthew Murray (former gossiper with the Chron) guest appeared on it last week, Liam from WSB guested on its debut show. Here are links to those, if of interest. 

Show One 

Show Two 

Final thoughts? 

Sam's back. 





Thanks for reading. You Reds. 



Whitey 



'Love Barnsley, Hate Jacob Mellis'