Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sat Oct 02, 2010 8:36 pm
Over 900 Bluebirds made the trip up North to the historic stadium of Barnsley and what a great noise they made. From start to finish they got behind the team with their version of the Ultra song which was heard for the first time by the travelling faithful. Even during the lowest point of the game for the visitors all you could hear were the Cardiff singing. This shows we still have it and has restored some faith in our supporter's ability to create an atmosphere. From the KO it was electric within the away stand and now it was down to the team to respond.
A massive cheer went up when it was announced that no 39 Bellamy has made the starting 11. Three out of the famous five were now back but it was felt was it too early for our captain? Much to no one's surprise Heaton kept hold of the goalkeepers vest and the only change from Tuesday night's game was our captain replacing Keogh. The spirit is the away stand was alot more confident than of lately and it felt this just might turn out to be a good trip.
The game got underway, Cardiff attacking the home end, as murky clouds appeared on the horizon. Fortunately for us it was going to turn out to be a dry day unlike last season but perhaps the appearance of the clouds were a warning of the first half footballing quality we were about to see. Literally for the first 40 minutes there was hardly anything to report and the only thing of note was that the Barnsley midfield had the edge over the Cardiff. This allowed Barnsley to create chances from both sets of wings but fortunately the delivering crosses suite the game of rugby where they would have been guaranteed 3 points. Those crosses that guaranteed no points were met every time by Hudson who was on his way to Man of the Match award but que the second half. Cardiff only real effort up to then was a Peter Whittingham free kick early on just outside the home area that harmlessly went over.
As we approached half time the first real chance fell to an 18 year old Barnsley player who somehow found himself with space in the Cardiff area with only Heaton to beat. His effort should have got the linesman putting his flag up, not for offside but for another three points as the ball made its way into the travelling supporters stand.
Within a minute of the Tykes taking a 30 point to nil lead the Cardiff found themselves taking a proper 1-0. From the right hand side of the pitch Jay produced one of his specialities, a long inch perfect pass across the field to a waiting Whittingham on the edge of the home area. Whitts showed of all the skill we know he has by bringing the ball down and laying of a perfect pass to the incoming Bellamy. The perfect weight of the pass gave Bellamy the time to drive the ball cross the 6 yard area and into the side of the net for the first goal. A goal worth watching on the Championship tonight.
So Cardiff went into the interval ahead but besides those 2 moments it really was a murky half. However the second half was to prove anything but.
Both teams came out with a mission for the restart. Barnsley attacked the Cardiff end with high crosses into the area where their big attackers seems to be getting the better of our defence. Cardiff replied with threatening attacks down the Bellamy wing, left side, where Whitts and our captain seemed to work really well together. This half was to prove what quality our captain really is and was the start of him stealing the man of the match award away from Hudson. Bellamy works really well with Whittingham down his designated wing and how we did not increase the lead, well I get fed up of trying to work out these things.
Cardiff had a number of corners in the first quarter of the half and from one put the ball in the back of the net. From a Bellamy corner Hudson made good contact and the ball was on its way into the net when it hit Bothroyd. The ball still ended up in the net but Bothroyd was ruled offside. However soon after the ball did end up in the net legally but the wrong one as far as the faithful Cardiff fans were concerned.
Another deep cross from the Barnsley into the Cardiff area for the gaint Tykes resulted in a corner. Actually they were not gaints at all but they seemed to be that way because they kept getting to the crosses before any Cardiff did. From the corner a scramble generated itself and a play off Blackpool type goal resulted to come back and haunt the Cardiff again. So Cardiff found themselves on equal terms instead of having a cushion of goals lead that they should have had. De ja vu
Fortunately we did not have to wait long to regain the lead but we had to suffer a set back before we did. From another corner Hudson made good contact only to see his header handballed by his marker. The ref had a clear view and pointed straight for the spot. How we all wanted to suck the ball in as Whittingham took the spot kick. How we all groaned as we watched his second consecutive penalty saved. Whitts looked sick but it was going to get worse for him.
However from the resulting corner that was given for the penalty save the ball found itself to Whittingham in space in the 18 yard area. He volleyed the ball towards goal, well fluffed it a bit to be honest, and it was on its way in. However before it reached the net Oli got a foot to it just to make sure. Yep the luck is not going Whitts way but for now no one cared.
As the second half progressed it was Cardiff who looked like increasing their lead. Bellamy was making terrific progress down both wings and was laying off quality passes. One such pass saw Bothroyd head against the post. Although the pressure was coming from Cardiff it did look like the Tykes were capable of snatching equaliser. They were given a good chance of this with 10 minutes to go.
Darcy Blake received his second yellow card after a lunging tackle so it was time to battle down the hatches. The home side looked set to spread the ball wide as you would expect with a man advantage. However they did not seem to apply this as they tried to break the Cardiff defence down through the middle. This was a major mistake as they got nowhere with this and the last 10 minutes that should have been nail biting turned out to be a breeze in the park.
However one attack from the Barnsley front line in the last 1o minutes did produce an excellent save from Tom Heaton. Barnsley were reduced to trying their luck from distance as our defence held firm but a 25 yard curler aiming for the top left of the goal caused a superb full stretched save from Heaton. With his performances lately he is certainly making claim to the no 1 shirt.
We had to suffer 4 minutes of injury time as we held onto our 2-1 lead. The ref blew his whistle and a well deserved win was achieved. We were all going to be travelling home happy. The players got a great send off from the travellers as they made their way off the pitch in front of us. Bellamy was off first and returned the Ayatollah to us. The rest of the team were about 20 yards behind him as they shook hands with the Barnsley. They all acknowledged the away support and even DJ applauded us as he went down the player's tunnel. It was just great to see this happening again, fans and players together.
Summing up there has been alot of talk about how important Bellamy is for us. Today just showed that. Now let's get this straight Barnsley is not an easy place to go to and get something. So to come away with a win is a major achievement there. We nearly gave it away but we did not because we showed character. Infact we showed extra character today and that came from the Bellamy factor and I doubt anyone will argue against. Of course we can't and should not rely on Craig and will need others to step in but that is another topic for another time. Lets just rejoice tonight because we deserve it after the last 4 games.
A massive cheer went up when it was announced that no 39 Bellamy has made the starting 11. Three out of the famous five were now back but it was felt was it too early for our captain? Much to no one's surprise Heaton kept hold of the goalkeepers vest and the only change from Tuesday night's game was our captain replacing Keogh. The spirit is the away stand was alot more confident than of lately and it felt this just might turn out to be a good trip.
The game got underway, Cardiff attacking the home end, as murky clouds appeared on the horizon. Fortunately for us it was going to turn out to be a dry day unlike last season but perhaps the appearance of the clouds were a warning of the first half footballing quality we were about to see. Literally for the first 40 minutes there was hardly anything to report and the only thing of note was that the Barnsley midfield had the edge over the Cardiff. This allowed Barnsley to create chances from both sets of wings but fortunately the delivering crosses suite the game of rugby where they would have been guaranteed 3 points. Those crosses that guaranteed no points were met every time by Hudson who was on his way to Man of the Match award but que the second half. Cardiff only real effort up to then was a Peter Whittingham free kick early on just outside the home area that harmlessly went over.
As we approached half time the first real chance fell to an 18 year old Barnsley player who somehow found himself with space in the Cardiff area with only Heaton to beat. His effort should have got the linesman putting his flag up, not for offside but for another three points as the ball made its way into the travelling supporters stand.
Within a minute of the Tykes taking a 30 point to nil lead the Cardiff found themselves taking a proper 1-0. From the right hand side of the pitch Jay produced one of his specialities, a long inch perfect pass across the field to a waiting Whittingham on the edge of the home area. Whitts showed of all the skill we know he has by bringing the ball down and laying of a perfect pass to the incoming Bellamy. The perfect weight of the pass gave Bellamy the time to drive the ball cross the 6 yard area and into the side of the net for the first goal. A goal worth watching on the Championship tonight.
So Cardiff went into the interval ahead but besides those 2 moments it really was a murky half. However the second half was to prove anything but.
Both teams came out with a mission for the restart. Barnsley attacked the Cardiff end with high crosses into the area where their big attackers seems to be getting the better of our defence. Cardiff replied with threatening attacks down the Bellamy wing, left side, where Whitts and our captain seemed to work really well together. This half was to prove what quality our captain really is and was the start of him stealing the man of the match award away from Hudson. Bellamy works really well with Whittingham down his designated wing and how we did not increase the lead, well I get fed up of trying to work out these things.
Cardiff had a number of corners in the first quarter of the half and from one put the ball in the back of the net. From a Bellamy corner Hudson made good contact and the ball was on its way into the net when it hit Bothroyd. The ball still ended up in the net but Bothroyd was ruled offside. However soon after the ball did end up in the net legally but the wrong one as far as the faithful Cardiff fans were concerned.
Another deep cross from the Barnsley into the Cardiff area for the gaint Tykes resulted in a corner. Actually they were not gaints at all but they seemed to be that way because they kept getting to the crosses before any Cardiff did. From the corner a scramble generated itself and a play off Blackpool type goal resulted to come back and haunt the Cardiff again. So Cardiff found themselves on equal terms instead of having a cushion of goals lead that they should have had. De ja vu
Fortunately we did not have to wait long to regain the lead but we had to suffer a set back before we did. From another corner Hudson made good contact only to see his header handballed by his marker. The ref had a clear view and pointed straight for the spot. How we all wanted to suck the ball in as Whittingham took the spot kick. How we all groaned as we watched his second consecutive penalty saved. Whitts looked sick but it was going to get worse for him.
However from the resulting corner that was given for the penalty save the ball found itself to Whittingham in space in the 18 yard area. He volleyed the ball towards goal, well fluffed it a bit to be honest, and it was on its way in. However before it reached the net Oli got a foot to it just to make sure. Yep the luck is not going Whitts way but for now no one cared.
As the second half progressed it was Cardiff who looked like increasing their lead. Bellamy was making terrific progress down both wings and was laying off quality passes. One such pass saw Bothroyd head against the post. Although the pressure was coming from Cardiff it did look like the Tykes were capable of snatching equaliser. They were given a good chance of this with 10 minutes to go.
Darcy Blake received his second yellow card after a lunging tackle so it was time to battle down the hatches. The home side looked set to spread the ball wide as you would expect with a man advantage. However they did not seem to apply this as they tried to break the Cardiff defence down through the middle. This was a major mistake as they got nowhere with this and the last 10 minutes that should have been nail biting turned out to be a breeze in the park.
However one attack from the Barnsley front line in the last 1o minutes did produce an excellent save from Tom Heaton. Barnsley were reduced to trying their luck from distance as our defence held firm but a 25 yard curler aiming for the top left of the goal caused a superb full stretched save from Heaton. With his performances lately he is certainly making claim to the no 1 shirt.
We had to suffer 4 minutes of injury time as we held onto our 2-1 lead. The ref blew his whistle and a well deserved win was achieved. We were all going to be travelling home happy. The players got a great send off from the travellers as they made their way off the pitch in front of us. Bellamy was off first and returned the Ayatollah to us. The rest of the team were about 20 yards behind him as they shook hands with the Barnsley. They all acknowledged the away support and even DJ applauded us as he went down the player's tunnel. It was just great to see this happening again, fans and players together.
Summing up there has been alot of talk about how important Bellamy is for us. Today just showed that. Now let's get this straight Barnsley is not an easy place to go to and get something. So to come away with a win is a major achievement there. We nearly gave it away but we did not because we showed character. Infact we showed extra character today and that came from the Bellamy factor and I doubt anyone will argue against. Of course we can't and should not rely on Craig and will need others to step in but that is another topic for another time. Lets just rejoice tonight because we deserve it after the last 4 games.
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sat Oct 02, 2010 9:07 pm
Excellent Match Report Ian, Your Best So far 
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sat Oct 02, 2010 9:23 pm
Yes, great stuff.
Heaton=the real deal?
Heaton=the real deal?
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sat Oct 02, 2010 9:27 pm
damnedyank wrote:Yes, great stuff.
Heaton=the real deal?
Why not.
He had a good game today, very safe. He had one or two good saves of which I forgot to put in the report.
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sat Oct 02, 2010 9:33 pm
thnx for the excellent report
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sat Oct 02, 2010 9:39 pm
As usual a top class report, thank you
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 7:04 am
good win for use yesterday keep it up 
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:11 am
Yet another top report, great read keep it up
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:50 am
Excellent report Ian
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 9:03 am
yep good report that .
you captured almost everything that went on yesterday .
Bellamy , Hudson , Bothroyd and oli were top notch but i thought darcy was our weak link . Not to sure who was on the bench but Mcphail would have been my choice if he was fit .
But a special mention must go out to our away following yesterday . Absolutetly superb even when the first half was a bit stalemate the noise we generated made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up !
well done city and support
you captured almost everything that went on yesterday .
Bellamy , Hudson , Bothroyd and oli were top notch but i thought darcy was our weak link . Not to sure who was on the bench but Mcphail would have been my choice if he was fit .
But a special mention must go out to our away following yesterday . Absolutetly superb even when the first half was a bit stalemate the noise we generated made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up !
well done city and support
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 11:57 am
Ian keep up the good work.
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 1:11 pm
great match report keep it up
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 4:49 pm
Yeah superb Chief really enjoy reading your reports
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 5:12 pm
good report - hope you keep up the good work
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:47 pm
Another great Match report
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Sun Oct 03, 2010 8:51 pm
Jes wrote:Another great Match report
Seconded
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:56 am
Sounds like the polar opposite of last year's pathetic capitulation at miserable Oakwell Ian!
No Ledley arguing with the fans, no McCormack and Chopra up front together looking completely clueless and getting no service from a weak, insipid midfield, no last minute, inevitable winner, no telling Jones where he can go as he walks down the tunnel
Cracking stuff.
Interesting that it seems Marshall's lost his place though. Was it the Ipswich game that cost him or the sum of our bad 3/4 games?
I ask because, judging by the highlight of their goal, our defence hasn't bloody changed!!! Seriously looked like a terrible goal to concede, just a total mess and total lack of communication!
No Ledley arguing with the fans, no McCormack and Chopra up front together looking completely clueless and getting no service from a weak, insipid midfield, no last minute, inevitable winner, no telling Jones where he can go as he walks down the tunnel
Cracking stuff.
Interesting that it seems Marshall's lost his place though. Was it the Ipswich game that cost him or the sum of our bad 3/4 games?
I ask because, judging by the highlight of their goal, our defence hasn't bloody changed!!! Seriously looked like a terrible goal to concede, just a total mess and total lack of communication!
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Wed Oct 06, 2010 3:12 pm
DaveSheffield wrote: no telling Jones where he can go as he walks down the tunnel
DaveSheffield wrote:Cracking stuff.
Interesting that it seems Marshall's lost his place though. Was it the Ipswich game that cost him or the sum of our bad 3/4 games?
I ask because, judging by the highlight of their goal, our defence hasn't bloody changed!!! Seriously looked like a terrible goal to concede, just a total mess and total lack of communication!
Well its difficult to say why Marshall was dropped but Heaton has been flawless since taking the no 1 spot. I think we will be seeing alot more of him than we thought at the start of the season.
Re: Match Report Barnsley V Cardiff City 02/10/10
Wed Oct 13, 2010 10:46 pm
Cheers Ian, Look forward to Bristol City Match Report