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NPOWER CHAMPIONSHIP 2011-12 |
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Leicester City 1 |
Barnsley FC 2 |
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Dyer 15 |
Gray 12, 34 |
With a budget that dwarves that of Barnsley, the Reds proved its not always about money, money doesn't buy team spirit, and Keith Hills team outwitted the Foxes and returned to Oakwell with three more points in the bag, a brilliant away win at a strong club, two first half strikes from Andy Gray sealed the win an it keeps alive the chance of a play off place.
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This time it was Andy Grays turn to take the limelight, with a rare starting chance since the searing form of Davies and Vas Te turned the Reds into a Championship force, Andy Gray notched a brace to show theres plenty of life in the old dog, and its brilliant for Barnsley FC to have three strikers on form and firing in regularly. Its not been like this for many as season.
Grays first came on 12 minutes following a sweet pass from Danny Drinkwater from the left who found Andy Gray in the middle of the area and he swept it calmly past the Leicester keeper.
The lead didn't last long as Lloyd Dyer put Leicester level just three minutes later following a ball over the top form Matt Mills.
The Reds got the edge again on 34 minutes which turned out to be the wiinning goal once again from Andy Gray this time a headed goal again from a Danny Drinkwater assist.
Before the game Barnsley had won only one from six games, despite a brilliant run of form just before this run, so to the people in the know, we knew they were due a result, and my bet of the Reds leading at half time came good on the day ;o)
Once we were in the lead the Foxes were pressuring for the equaliser but they failed to create a goal threat, and it was the Reds themselves who went closest nearly making it 1-3 as VasTe chased powerfully and skillfully through the middle of two defenders in close quarters and charged in on goal one on one with Kasper Schmeical but like his old fella, he was quick out and thwarted Vas Te's attempt of getting it past him.
Leicester went close in a six yard box melee and it ended with Nugent hitting the post from his header, then Vas Te had another chance but struck over.
The home side pushed hard for the equaliser as Lloyd Dyer did well to fashion a late opportunity but his effort flew over, for Barnsley to hold on to 3 welcome points, that keeps us six points from the play offs, still plenty to do, and more consistency required if we are to make a serious bid for a play off spot this time.
Man of the match: Andy Gray, with a brace the veteran striker was the difference between the two sides weighing in and taking his chance in the hotly contested striker berth, just ahead of Danny Drinkwater who worked hard and provided two stylish assists.
