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MATCH REPORT TO FOLLOW

The reds continued to struggle to find the net, and to realise full cohesion in this match with neighbours Rotherham United today in the unlikely setting of Sheffield's Don Valley Stadium.

Barnsley started lively enough, within seconds Rob Kozluk tested the Rotherham Keeper from 20 yards. With Macken nearly adding to his pre-season tally on 4 mins, he continued to cause trouble, his hard work gaining his team a freekick. Brian Howard stepped up, but his top corner bound effort was saved well by Cann in the Rotherham goal.

Later a Dennis Souza slip let in Mark Hudson, who's shot hit Darren Moore and ended up wide of goal. Pablo Mills continued the pressure on the Barnsley defence on 10 mins. with a nice chip that was connected with by Reuben Ried who was ruled offside.

On 13 mins. Odejayi was put clear this time from a fine pass from Jon Macken after he muscled his way through, but Ode with shades of Wembley was once again unable to convert a gilt edged chance. The keeper saving his effort well.

A corner from Butterfield on 19 mins, was attacked strongly by Foster at the far post, rising unmarked his header was turned away by a fully stretched Cann.

A cross delivered by the tricky Jamal Campbell Ryce on 25 mins was met by odejayi, who once again got in the right place but really should have done better and hit the target with his header. Ode carried on working though, on 30 mins. his good work provided an half chance for El Haimour, who's rushed shot ended up high over the bar. Lots of pressure by Barnsley frustratingly not being converted into a goal.

Hudson then had a good effort for Rotherham from well out, but Luke Steele was more than equal to it, saving his strong shot well.

Macken had the last chance of the first half, going very close with a volley across the face of goal from a Butterfield pass.

Second Half

Ode was picked out on 50 mins, an excellent through ball from Souza, he had to get through close attention of two Rotherham men but ultimately got a Barnsley corner for his efforts.

Some more good work from the ever impressive El Haimour saw him out pace 3 Rotherham defenders, getting his cross into the area.

Macken continued his good work rate, getting in an header after an Howard freekick, but the effort bounced through to Cann. Macken was then replaced by young Jamil Adam.

Devaney came on an instantly caused trouble down the flank getting in a powerful cross on 81 mins, that caused some panic in the home defence as Sharps deflected over the own bar.

The breakthrough for Rotherham came on 84 mins as Reid took on Souza, turned him way too easily and got the cross through to Alex Rhodes who duly tapped home what turned out to be the winner from the 5 yards. In reply a minute later Adam got in behind the Rotherham back line but was unable to get to it before Cann who punched clear.

Adams had a 88th min. long range effort saved by Cann, but it ended with a feeling of frustation, as we created our chances but failed to make it pay in front of goal which does point to the required further strengthening of the front line. Which we believe is an ongoing priority of Mr Daveys in the coming weeks. Watch this space.