Reasons to be cheerful as Barnsley brush past Bristol Rovers

Rarely over the last year that I have been writing on Tykes Blog have I rushed to the laptop to write down my thoughts after a Barnsley game to record such positive words. Whilst no one is getting too carried away after just four league games into a new season, credit should be given where it's due and here are some reasons to be cheerful as a red.

Urgency throughout the team.

Only seen in patches so far this season yet in abundance for 90 minutes against Bristol Rovers was an urgency and high tempo from the reds. Bags of energy from every player to close down the opposition in possession to disrupt their play, win back the ball higher up the pitch and an eagerness not just to win the ball in the first place but then launch instant attacks as well.

Time and again red shirts chased down the player on the ball and often recycled possession back into home territory. The strikers in Devante Cole and Jack Aitchison put the hard yards in to set the tone high up the pitch. Then Benson and Thomas would spring out of midfield and hunt all over the pitch. With regularity Jordan Williams would push high up the right hand side with Callum Styles doing similar on the left which usually resulted in the reds winning the back back quickly and having numerous players in support of the man on the ball which in turn created more chances.

Even the back three were quick off the mark pushing up and refusing to allow the opposition strikers time to turn and run at the reds goal. Despite the conditions, Barnsley players appeared to enjoy playing a quick passing game on a wet surface as opposed to the hard and dry conditions of recent weeks.

Positivity and shoot on sight policy.

In the recent home victory over Cheltenham, the Ponty End screamed with regularity in the second half for Barnsley players to take aim and shoot at goal with only Luke Thomas taking notice and scoring the winner from the edge of the box.

The advice of supporters appears to have sunk in although I suspect the credit should really go to the manager and his staff who have clearly been drumming into the players to shoot on sight. Something the reds did in abundance against Rovers and it is clearly paying off with long range goals from Williams and Benson.

Last night's performance was in stark contrast to last season under two different managers. Slow and insipid performances have been replaced by a high tempo, pressing football and an eagerness to go for the jugular. It shows you what effect Michael Duff is having on this squad given the majority played last season yet there is a confidence growing amongst these players. The credit must go to Duff, Devaney and Paterson who have instilled this energy and belief in the squad in such a short space of time.

Team effort.

It is fair to say that Barnsley`s biggest strength right now is their team ethic and effort. Whilst individuals are having a great start to the season, opposition sides will have to match the Reds effort all over the pitch if they want to get the better of them.

Praise should be given to Josh Benson who is showing the reds faithful what a player he really is. Benson makes the reds tick and he appears to be relishing being the new Alex Mowatt, a midfield general. Three goals in a week is testament to his impact this season.

Luke Thomas is another player who has arrived this season at Oakwell. After a couple of seasons in and out of the squad, loaned out elsewhere no one knew whether he had a future at Oakwell. Yet Thomas has started this season on fire and like Benson is a positive force in the side making things happen.

Big opportunity for Cole tonight. Feeling it will be a close game so chances have to be taken. #barnsleyfc #YouReds #tykes — Tykes Blog (@tykes_blog) August 16, 2022

Delight for Devante.

Upon seeing the Barnsley side announced pre match my thoughts turned to Devante Cole`s inclusion and how important it was for him to take this opportunity. With Duff not settled on his favourite two strikers yet, this was a great chance for Cole to show Duff he can cut it at this level. Clearly his first goal in many months gave him confidence. His cameo late on putting in challenges in his own half, doing drag backs and nutmegging the opposition in the same passage of play had the crowd roaring in delight. All we ask is for effort and for a better rate at putting chances away, let us hope this is a turning point for Cole.

Whilst Josh Benson fully deserved his man of the match award, in truth it could have gone to any number of players in red and that is testament to the performance last night of the whole side. This was truly a team effort.

Michael Duff wants Oakwell to be a fortress. In truth it has to be as there are many tough away fixtures in this league. With back to back home wins, Saturday at home to Wycombe Wanderers provides Barnsley with a great opportunity to turn Duff`s hope into a reality and make opposition clubs fear coming to Oakwell.

You Reds.