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NPOWER CHAMPIONSHIP 2012-13 |
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Blackburn R 2 |
Barnsley FC 1 |
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Rhodes 45 |
Mellis 32 |
The Reds played brilliantly away from home with the lion share of possession against former Premiership side Blackburn Rovers, but still came away with a nothing despite leading through Jacob Mellis. The home sides big money strikers notched a goal a piece to take all the points, and leave the Reds frustrated.
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The difference on the day was the finishing of two mega money signings by Blackburn, players purchased with Premiership parachute payments, which following the game Keith Hill stated to be perplexed by. They are very unfair, and gives an unfair advantage to teams who have just dropped out of the top tier to regain Premiership status, creating yo-yo clubs and hindering the chances of the less well off Championship teams, but you would not have known it in this game only by the result, as the Reds were more than a match for Blackburn Rovers and should have had at least a point for their labours.
The impressive Jacob Mellis gave the Tykes the lead on the half hour mark with shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.
But it was to be the son of an former Oakwell favourite who soured the night for the Reds, as Jordan Rhodes the record £8m signing from Huddersfield Town diverted a freekick from Bradley Orr past Alnwick in the Barnsley goal to make it 1-1 just on half time.
Despite good periods of play and possession Barnsley were unable to regain the lead, and the cruel blow landed in the 85th minute, as ex Portugese veteran Nuno Gomes stole in to grab what turned out to be a late winner.
The formerly maligned Steve Keans men continued their 100% home record, and their best start since 1994, but it came as sore blow to Barnsley as our performance meritted much more.
Blackburn had chances to take the lead earlier on as Grant Hanley headed over the bar, and Rhodes went close to his second firing just wide of the upright.
The Reds were still firmly in this encounter as we pressed to get our own winner, the Blackburn defence were tested as Barnsley looked to carve out an opportunity, and Keeper Paul Robinson made an excellent save from a Jacob Mellis scorching shot. Robinson was on hand again to palm away an effort by Craig Davies.
The defeat makes it five straight away from home for Keith Hills side, who must be wondering what we have to do to get a win away from Oakwell.
Keith Hill's comments on the game:
"There has been no better result but we performed equally well at Blackburn in midweek and got beaten.
"I am really pleased for everyone who believes in what we are trying to achieve at Barnsley.
"Craig Davies takes the honours but this performance has been achieved from the groundwork he put in last season.
"You have to keep players to educate them and Davies is a mobile target man who scores goals. It's as simple as that."
