So, tomorrow we travel to Oakwell for a Yorkshire derby, which is sure to be full of thrills and spills, and once again, will be hugely important. On Tuesday we overcame a rugged, determined Reading at the John Smiths with a late Billing goal sealing the three points for Town.
It was a game that was relatively low on real quality, but in so many other ways it was remarkable. The wind was howling around the stadium, rain was going horizontally and for large parts of the game the ball was at home 15 metres in the air. Town adapted to the conditions and the opposition fantastically, after an assured first 20 minutes the game became fractured and awkward, then Rajiv Van La Parra did what everyone thought he would do, and missed our only penalty of the season.
After that Town would have been forgiven for losing their heads and losing the game as a result, but they weathered a brief Reading storm and came out in the second half in fine spirits. Schindler was amazing, heading and kicking anything that came anywhere near him, Billing was dominant, barely missing an interception and Wells was constantly threatening.
The result was great testament to the belief and tenacity of this team, a further badge of honour for Wagner and his men. It keeps the pressure up on the top two and makes us almost nailed on to finish at least in the play-offs. The courage, character and belief of this team will be tested greatly on Saturday in what is sure to be a fiery affair.
Barnsley are a team that are eyeing the play-offs themselves, even in the face of worrying player sales, Winnall, Hourihane and Mawson have all left the Tykes this campaign, yet they still continue to linger around the play-off spots. They will be looking to keep up their good home record in Yorkshire derbies this season, after hammering Rotherham 4-0 and dispatching Leeds 3-2.
There is talk of the game been a sell-out crowd, a chance for Barnsley to show their fans they're still up for the battle this season after losses at home to Brighton, Wolves and Blackpool since the turn of the year. They will be geared up for this game, ready to make it a fight and get in our faces from the off. It will be important for the players to win their individual battles before they try and take control of the game. Tom Bradshaw will undoubtedly provide a big threat to our defence, the Tykes leading scorer has been in fine form this season.
Having said all of that, there really is nothing to fear, we are in the form of our lives, six straight wins in the league, including very impressive performances. Barnsley have been in stuttering form at home in the league since the New Year as well. With all things considered, if we play our game and to the levels that we have been recently, we should come home with three points. Tick off another tricky away game and continue in our pursuit of Brighton and Newcastle.
Whatever the result, I know we'll see maximum commitment, effort and passion from the players, and that is very satisfying in itself. UTT
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