' MATCH THREAD: BARNSLEY v CARDIFF CITY ' MATCH THREAD

Shapes and familiar faces

As expected, Bennett is left-back, Connolly on the right, Bamba and Manga in the middle with Halford and Gunnarsson sitting in midfield. John left midfielder and Noone on the right, Pilkington between the lines behind Zohore.

One thing we missed with the teams having been distracted by Cardiff’s changes is Wales Under-21 and Everton youngster Gethin Jones playing centre-back for the hosts. Tipped for big things, already getting on the ball a lot as Barsnley look to play out and they’re finding a lot of space against a Cardiff team yet to really wake up and adjust to their fast tempo.

Cardiff enjoying some possession, the ball with their back line.

A change of ends before kick-off and the Barnsley will shoot towards the Ponty End first half with Alex Mowatt getting the match underway.

The PONTY end? I didn't realise it was that close

Barnsley have dominated the opening few minutes of the match, nothing to show for it as of yet though. Scowen looking dangerous.

McGregor down

The sparsely populated Barnsley crowd are a little disgruntled. They’ve called for a handball against Bamba when it was off his shins...

McGregor is down receiving treatment.Didn’t look serious but he seems to be in a bit of pain and is getting attention around his ankle area.
Brian Murphy gets warm. Not sure he’ll be required.

CHRIS WATHAN
The Scot is ok for now

Lots of Cardiff staff holding their earpieces closer so they can hear the info from the physio but McGregor is helped up and gingerly gets ready to resume play as Barnsley throw the ball back. ...and he promptly smashes it down the pitch.

Firm but fair

That is a thunderous challenge from Roberts. MacDonald had give his pass to his centre-back partner a bit short, Gunnarsson was onto it but Roberts has cleaned out man and ball. The Iceland skipper takes his time but he felt that. Completely fair but it would have stung.

A 45-yard outside of the foot pass from Matty James finds Bradshaw who is eventually tackled for a corner by Bamba. Corner cleared. 0-0

Noone takes advantage of two Barnsley players coming together as they look to clear, goes into the box and takes a tumble but referee Scott Duncan is quick to give the ‘no’ signal with a swipe of the arms.

No big shout from Cardiff. Looked like he lost his balance.

Super sol

Bradshaw almost in after a long ball forward, gets around Bamba but the Cardiff skipper slides in at the last moment to stop him rounding towards goal. Barnsley the better side so far.

Approx 200 City fans there tonight

Mac ok

McGregor gives Andy Dibble the thumbs up from the pitch and it looks like he’s shaken that knock off. He’s going to continue.

Interplay

Nearly an intricate little move between Pilkington and Declan John. Doesn’t quite work out as Saidy Janko steams clear.
End-to-end now.

More good work from Janko wins the Reds another corner, which is slightly too long, Hammill crosses back in which evades everyone

Bluebirds go close!

As close as Cardiff have come. Connolly is fed by Gunnarsson, the defender whipping in a ball from the right which sees Roberts stick a leg out and spins behind him but wide of his own goal and Zohore can’t make more of the loose ball.

Close for Ken!

Zohore has just let one fly and it wasn’t too far away. Lot of space between the boxes for sides to take advantage of - no stifling here - and Zohore latches onto one before a dipping half volley. Safely over as far as Adam Davies is concerned, but let’s call it a sighter.

Barnsley nearly scored

174 Cardiff fans exactly

@JoeBennett27 is okay to continue after receiving treatment. (0-0)

City are now defending

Greg Halford playing well

Declan John, not doing anything

City attacking Noone messes up

City now got possession

corner City

Noone corner

Free kick City

Normal service resumes

Barnsley back on the front foot. Lovely curled ball across the Bluebirds box from the eye-catching Watkins but no-one close enough to take advantage. For all that Barnsley have looked more dangerous when looking towards goal, they have not really forced McGregor into a save as yet.

Still 0-0 as we approach half-time at Oakwell. No major chances in a relatively quiet half.

Very quiet game.