retired_brinker317

Saturday evening saw bad news for Daniel Nardiello - the Welsh powerhouse ruled out for up to a month, but at least a fortnight, with a badly twisted ankle. On a busy day for managerial changes, Sunday would see the dismissals of Southend's Steve Tilson and Danny Wilson of MK Dons - the latter immediatley replaced by former assistant Ian Bowyer in a move which suprised many. Meanwhile, at Derby County Micky Adams stepped back into management, replacing Mark Wright , dismissed last week.

It would also be the day that Fairway had feared - Portsmouth were back in touch, and the offer matched what Fairway had asked - £1.2 Million in exchange for Tommy Wright . Having discussed it with the player and his agent, he felt that he was unable to stand in the way of Wright potentially earning a move back to the big time. It would, however, leave a large hole in the Tykes' attack...

Chairman Shepherd was certainly pleased with the signing, telling Fairway that Hart's arrival was exactly the sort of high profile capture he had hoped for - and that the club shop had seen a mini merchandising boom, with plenty of local kids picking up goalkeepers jerseys.

As it turned out, Hart's arrival couldn't have come at a better time - late on Monday, Craig Samson phoned in to say that he had been diagnosed with a virus by his GP, and would be out for around three weeks. Confirming the news, Physio Pornnaret Nakmek told Fairway that it would be better for the 'keeper to spend time recuperating at home, rather than risk spreading illness around the club. The return from injury of Rodney Ubbergen , the club's first choice stopper, would also help - with Fairway left to decide between the talented Dutchman, or the equally impressive new arrival.

On Tuesday afternoon Fairway took time out from Barnsley - travelling to watch the reserves in action at Sc unthorpe . It was a pulsating game, ending 4-4 - with Danny Moore grabbing a hatrick to give his boss something to think about. Unfortunatley, the match was marred by an elbow injury to Neil Higgins - the young winger ruled out for around 3 weeks.

So, Wright was gone - and with Nardiello injured, there would be a different look to the Barnsley attack on Saturday. £1.2 Million, however, was not to be sniffed at - and Fairway already had a potential replacement in mind. Richard Kell would also be out of Saturday's game - the midfielder picking up a cold, and sent home to recover fully.

Late on Thursday afternoon, Fairway made his interest official - the target, Hereford United striker Stuart Fleetwood , a 20-year old Welshman with 13 goals to his credit this season. Fleetwood, a nippy, exciting player, started his career with Cardiff but failed to score for the Bluebirds.

Barnsley v Torquay United - 20.1.07 - League Two

Fairway was most displeased to note a chorus of boos as the team was read out over the PA - and shouts of 'Tommy Wright' ringing around Oakwell ahead of the game. Still, while he considered it disapointing, he also symphaised with supporters, knowing that to loose a key player, emotions ran high. Marc Richards partnered Chris Shuker in attack, with Tonge called in on the right and 16-year old Kevin Foster amongst the substitutes, along with Danny Moore, hatrick hero for the second string in midweek. Another new face would be Joe Hart - chosen as the sub 'keeper, with fit-again Ubbergen back between the sticks. 8 minutes after kickoff, however, the Tykes fans had plenty to cheer about - Morais' ball into the box found Wroe, and his chipped pass was knocked over 'keeper Harrison by Richards from close range. With Barnsley dominating, a second looked likely - and on 34, Howard was tripped by Walker, only to dust himself off and slot home the resulting spot kick. 2-0 up at the break, Fairway replaced a struggling Kay for El-Abd, telling his side to go out and show that they could succeed without Wright. On 52 however, his side conceded - an awful mistake allowing McPhee to steal in and net from close range. Two final changes on 76 - Foster for Tonge and Heslop for Howard - were introduced in a bid to inject more pace into the Barnsley attack, which had been a little stagnant throughout the second period. Things would remain the same - until the 93rd minute, when a little piece of Nicky Wroe magic - delicatley lofting the ball over the onrushing 'keeper from Austin's long ball forward - wrapped things up with a third, and sealed the win that finally killed off a stubborn Gulls side.

Barnsley 3 - Torquay 1

Attendance; 9706

Barnsley League Position; 2nd

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | Carlisle | | 30 | 16 | 8 | 6 | 41 | 30 | +11 | 56 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | BARNSLEY | | 30 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 58 | 29 | +29 | 55 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Mansfield | | 30 | 15 | 8 | 7 | 42 | 34 | +8 | 53 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Cheltenham | | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 39 | 30 | +9 | 50 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Bury | | 30 | 14 | 8 | 8 | 36 | 32 | +4 | 50 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Grimsby | | 30 | 14 | 5 | 11 | 50 | 39 | +11 | 47 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Darlington | | 30 | 13 | 7 | 10 | 37 | 32 | +5 | 46 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Wycombe | | 30 | 13 | 6 | 11 | 41 | 35 | +6 | 45 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Notts Co | | 30 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 41 | 37 | +4 | 44 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Rochdale | | 30 | 13 | 4 | 13 | 46 | 46 | 0 | 43 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Leyton Orient | | 30 | 11 | 9 | 10 | 48 | 38 | +10 | 42 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Barnet | | 30 | 11 | 8 | 11 | 40 | 46 | -6 | 41 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Oxford | | 30 | 12 | 4 | 14 | 40 | 39 | +1 | 40 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Kidderminster | | 30 | 11 | 7 | 12 | 39 | 47 | -8 | 40 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Blackpool | | 30 | 10 | 9 | 11 | 45 | 38 | +7 | 39 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Rushden | | 30 | 10 | 8 | 12 | 42 | 45 | -3 | 38 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | MK Dons | | 30 | 8 | 13 | 9 | 43 | 44 | -1 | 37 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Bristol Rovers | | 30 | 10 | 7 | 13 | 42 | 50 | -8 | 37 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Yeovil | | 30 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 34 | 36 | -2 | 34 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Accrington | | 30 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 38 | 49 | -11 | 33 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | Macclesfield | | 30 | 9 | 6 | 15 | 37 | 53 | -16 | 33 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Torquay | | 30 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 30 | 41 | -11 | 31 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Peterborough | | 30 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 28 | 40 | -12 | 29 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Chester | | 30 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 52 | -27 | 25 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

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Struggling Championship boss, and scourge of the Football Association, Neil Warnock , recieved his marching orders from Sheffield United on Saturday evening. Fairway, meanwhile, was in contact with his scouts, who had seen Stuart Fleetwood look a threat for Hereford as they went down 2-1 to Stevenage at Broadhall Way.

On Sunday, with Alan Knill taking the job at Bristol Rovers once rumoured to interest Fairway, Hereford manager Graham Turner accepted Barnsley's £75,000 bid for Stuart Fleetwood - and the player certainly seemed keen to make the move, requesting terms which Fairway felt were a little excessive, but still well within his budget. It would now be a case of wait and see. Down on the South Coast, a certain former Tykes striker was making his debut - coming off the bench for the last 25 minutes of Portsmouth's 2-1 defeat to Charlton .

In fact, a decision would come late on Tuesday evening - Stuart Fleetwood putting pen to paper on a four-year contract. He would be unvieled at a Wednesday morning press Conference - much like Fairway was when he took the job after leaving France. Handing him the Number 10 shirt in front of the cameras, Fairway remarked that; "Fleetwood is an excellent signing - he will give us real pace up front, and I hope that he can continue as he has done this season for Hereford by getting amongst the goals"

On Wednesday evening, Butlin Road, Rugby, was the venue for Coventry City's reserve match with the Tykes. A 1-1 draw creditable against a decent side - with only a chest injury, later confirmed as broken ribs, for Barnsley teenager Kevin Foster the down point of the afternoon.

Late in the week, the Disputed Goals Panel got in touch with Fairway regarding Marc Richards' strike against Torquay - instead handing it as an Own Goal to unfortunate Gulls captain Craig Taylor

Barnsley v Oxford United - 27.1.07 - League Two

With Fleetwood fit enough to make the bench after an exhausting Christmas and New Year period, and the fit-again Richard Kell also on the bench, Fairway handed a suprise start to Danny Moore - the teenager given the chance to convinve his manager not to bring anyone else in before the transfer window closed at the end of the month. The opening exchanges - but for two Oxford free kicks, one of which hit the woodwork - were poor, and neither side seemed to get into an attacking groove throughout the first half. At the break Fairway sent on Heslop for Wroe, with the fans calling for Fleetwood. The second half started equally poorly, with neither set of fans especially happy. On 77, however, Howard controlled well on the left of the box, and found Moore in space - the teenager drilling the ball through a crowded box and into the corner of the net, before setting off on a remarkable goal celebration that culminated with a flip in front of the vocal home support who had been asking for new boy Fleetwood. With the goal, they would get the chance to see him - Fairway taking off Richards for the number 10. Although clearly not match fit, he did show some positive touches as Oxford hammered away at Barnsley for the remaining 10 minutes of the game. Twice Ubbergen was forced into saves, whilst Oudbade and, in particular, Brooks were wasteful with the ball inside the area. It wasn't pretty, Fairway would remark to radio pundits after the game, but it was a great result - the win adding three more points to the Barnsley title dream.

Barnsley 1 - Oxford 0

Attendance; 9920

Barnsley Position After Game; 1st

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While the win had elevated Barnsley to top of the table for the first time in Fairway's reign, the manager did feel a pang of sorrow for opposite number Brian Talbot - dismissed after the final whistle as Oxford United boss. With 15 games to go, however, he couldn't concentrate on anything but the League now - if Barnsley were to go back to League One, there would need to be no slip ups.

To replace Talbot, Oxford went abroad - bringing in Spaniard Peluso on Monday morning - in a deal which many saw as prearranged by United's controversial Chairman Firoz Kassam . Back at Oakwell, Brian Howard would be celebrating - the winger earning a bottle of Champagne as reward for making the League Two Team of the Week .

While Porter settled into his new role, over at Brammall Lane, Dick Campbell would be settling into the hotseat at Sheffield United - facing a tough task to keep the Blades up.

On Wednesday morning - transfer deadline day - the manager's office at Oakwell held rather more people than it usually would on a Wednesday. Manager Fairway, Chairman Shepherd - as well as new Youth Coach Porter and Chaz Wrigley . Wrigley, 17, - a striker - was well known to Porter, who, as soon as he arrived at Oakwell, was offering rave reviews to his new colleagues.

A deal with York City - £1000 + a small sell-on fee - was quickly agreed early on deadline day, as were personal terms - and by lunchtime, the youngster had become a Barnsley player. It was certainly not the biggest move on Deadline Day though - that honour going to Lorenzo Davids , brother of Spurs star Edgar, who moved from Feyernoord to Premiership strugglers Stoke City for £475,000.

Fairway would recieve a personal boost on Thursday morning - named as Manager of the Month for January. It - the Spurs defeat aside - had been a positive month for the club, and he was delighted with the award, his second since returning to England. Craig Samson also returned to training, following his week off with a virus.

Chester City v Barnsley - 3.2.07 - League Two

Fairway handed Stuart Fleetwood his first start - replacing goalscorer Moore for the trip to bottom of the league Chester in the only change to the starting eleven. It would take just nine minutes for Barnsley to open the scoring - Wroe robbing Sietes to fire home, capitalising on a mistake by the Spanish full back. Barnsley bossed the first half - Richards, put through by Fleetwood, should have had a second on 36, instead chipping wide with space opening up ahead of him. The second half started with Chester looking better - Weatherston close with a header - but on 70, Richards' far post cross found Fleetwood , and the new arrival made no mistake - netting from close range. Fairway then changed two, sending on Heslop and El-Abd for Howard and Kay respectivley, with Williams taking the captains armband. While a third was never inevitable - and in the end, didn't come - Barnsley were better value, perfomance wise - only a late Blundell header across goal causing any real scare. The performance was workmanlike - the win expected, against a struggling side - but it would be a vital one...

Chester 0 - Barnsley 2

Attendance; 2813

Barnsley League Position; 1st

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As the Tykes were travelling back to South Yorkshire, Fairway asked the coach driver to pull into a handy pub - his players deserving to be 'let off the leash' a little - especially given that second placed Carlisle had lost again, thumped by Yeovil - putting Barnsley 4 points clear at the top of the table. Yet more managerial news on Sunday - Watford dismissing Adrian Bothroyd - while MK Dons appoint Martin Ling after dispensing with the services of the initially appointed Ian Bowyer , who again steps down to an assistant role.

A victory for the Reserves at Walsall on Wednesday - Butler netting twice as Dale Tonge again ran the show from midfield - saw Chaz Wrigley make a 5 minute cameo appearance at the end. New 'keeper Joe Hart was also due to play - but, at the last minute, dropped out when it was found that he too was suffering from the cold that's been floating around the club for the last few weeks. Hart, like others before him, was sent home for a week. As he still lives in Shrewsbury with his parents, Fairway was sure their manager Nick Greenwood wouldn't be paying a visit for fear of infecting his own, playoff-chasing side.

Yeovil Town v Barnsley - 10.2.07 - League Two

After a quiet week, Fairway made just one change to his side for the trip to Yeovil - Sansom replacing the ill Hart on the bench. The Tykes had the ball within the net in three minutes - Fleetwood on target - but the joy was shortlived, with the goal ruled out with an offside flag. As it was, there would be no score for the rest of the first half - both sides getting the ball into the box, but not being able to carve anything out once there. Fairway made a couple of changes at the break - Richards and Shuker sacrificed - with Moore and Heslop coming on. Yeovil's 4-5-1 formation had the effect of limiting Barnsley's usual 'push and run' midfield possession football - and Fairway could see why Carlisle had struggled against the Somerset club last week. Frustratingly, on 84, Yeovil won a free kick - and Barry converted it with aplomb, sending the ball around the wall and past Ubbergen with unstoppable skill. The defeat would mark the end of a sixteen game unbeaten run in the League - and the first defeat in the 'bread and butter' competition under Fairway's management.

Yeovil 1 - Barnsley 0

Attendance; 4453

Barnsley League Position; 1st

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It would be a quiet couple of days at a somewhat subdued Oakwell - Barnsley were bound to lose eventually, but the result against a side who are currently struggling - although tactically, Gary Peters' men were superb - limiting the usual effectivness of Fairway's attacking, direct formation.

Kidderminster Harriers v Barnsley - 13.2.07 - League Two

With an immediate chance to bounce back, Fairway kept his side unchanged for the trip to Aggbrough - midtable Kiddy still without injured top scorer Russell. On 4 minutes though, it was his stand-in - young Mitch Butler scoring from the spot after Austin had been adjudged to have fouled. Barnsley levelled within a minute - after earning a corner, Nuno Morais scrambled the ball over the line to claim his first for the club. 10 minutes later, the Tykes were at it again - Marc Richards beating Kiddy 'keeper John Danby to a weak backpass to steer Barnsley ahead. A third - Fleetwood's solo run and finish after Djourou had cleared from a corner - came on 35, and seven minutes later, Richards added the fourth from close range after Fleetwood had again sprinted forward. Fairway made all three changes at the break - strike duo Richards and Fleetwood replaced by Moore and Heslop, while at the back, El-Abd would replace Austin. Harriers were by no means beaten, however, and on 66, Cogan's crossfield pass found young Butler, who made no mistake, beating Ubbergen from close range. Just two minutes later though, Tykes would kill off their opponents - Chris Shuker , playing up front, bagging the fifth - and from then on, it was plain sailing.

Kidderminster 2 - Barnsley 5

Attendance; 3603

Barnsley League Position; 1st

retired_steffani

Nice work d_s :thup:

retired_brinker317

There would be bad news on Wednesday morning though - a light training session was planned, and an accidental collision resulted in a broken toe for new boy Stuart Fleetwood - the young striker out for up to two months, a big blow given his form since joining Barnsley.

To add to his woes, Fairway saw another striker, James Butler , limp out of an otherwise very impressive 3-0 Reserve win over WBA - Higgins, new boy Chaz Wrigley and the injured teenager all netting. Watford , meanwhile, would appoint Tony Mowbray as their new manager - taking over from the dismissed Bothroyd .

Training during the week would see Fairway trying a number of different attacking partnerships - although he and his staff knew who would start against former manager Rick Holden's Blackpool on Saturday, he would not reveal it to the players until Saturday morning.

Barnsley v Blackpool - 17.2.07 - League Two

In fact, it would be 17-year old Chaz Wrigley who would make his Tykes debut alongside Richards - with teenage winger Neil Higgins amongst the substitues, showing how low on numbers Fairway's men found themselves. After a quiet opening 10 minutes, the Tykes opened the scoring on 14 - a long ball from Williams nodded downwards and into the corner by Richards - leaving the Barnsley supporters giving dogs abuse to their ex-manager. On 34 though disaster - Wrigley limping off injured less than a half into his debut. It would be the turn of Higgins to make an appearance - Shuker moving into the attack, with the young Scot going to the right. At the interval, Wroe would also come off - Kell replacing the midfield man at the point of the attacking diamond. Blackpool started the second half well, Keigan Parker in particular a threat as several passes were strung together by the visitors - but on 75, Richards shrugged off his marker to run through and add the second. Some brave defending at times - but an all-action performance by, in particular, Djourou, allowed Barnsley to close out the game and hold on for a fine win.

Barnsley 2 - Blackpool 0

Attendance; 9776

Barnsley League Position; 1st

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">| Pos | Inf | Team | | Pld | Won | Drn | Lst | For | Ag | G.D. | Pts | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1st | | BARNSLEY | | 35 | 19 | 10 | 6 | 68 | 32 | +36 | 67 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 2nd | | Cheltenham | | 35 | 16 | 10 | 9 | 47 | 35 | +12 | 58 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 3rd | | Carlisle | | 35 | 16 | 10 | 9 | 45 | 40 | +5 | 58 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 4th | | Mansfield | | 35 | 16 | 9 | 10 | 46 | 44 | +2 | 57 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 5th | | Darlington | | 35 | 16 | 8 | 11 | 43 | 36 | +7 | 56 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 6th | | Rochdale | | 35 | 17 | 4 | 14 | 56 | 49 | +7 | 55 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 7th | | Bury | | 35 | 15 | 9 | 11 | 39 | 40 | -1 | 54 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 8th | | Leyton Orient | | 35 | 14 | 11 | 10 | 59 | 44 | +15 | 53 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 9th | | Grimsby | | 35 | 15 | 7 | 13 | 57 | 48 | +9 | 52 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 10th | | Wycombe | | 35 | 14 | 9 | 12 | 48 | 42 | +6 | 51 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 11th | | Notts Co | | 35 | 12 | 13 | 10 | 48 | 46 | +2 | 49 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 12th | | Oxford | | 35 | 14 | 5 | 16 | 45 | 42 | +3 | 47 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 13th | | Blackpool | | 35 | 12 | 10 | 13 | 50 | 44 | +6 | 46 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 14th | | Bristol Rovers | | 35 | 13 | 7 | 15 | 52 | 59 | -7 | 46 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 15th | | Rushden | | 35 | 12 | 9 | 14 | 51 | 55 | -4 | 45 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 16th | | Yeovil | | 35 | 12 | 8 | 15 | 39 | 38 | +1 | 44 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 17th | | Macclesfield | | 35 | 12 | 8 | 15 | 47 | 58 | -11 | 44 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 18th | | Barnet | | 35 | 11 | 10 | 14 | 47 | 57 | -10 | 43 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 19th | | Kidderminster | | 35 | 12 | 7 | 16 | 45 | 59 | -14 | 43 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 20th | | Torquay | | 35 | 11 | 9 | 15 | 40 | 45 | -5 | 42 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 21st | | MK Dons | | 35 | 9 | 14 | 12 | 49 | 51 | -2 | 41 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 22nd | | Accrington | | 35 | 10 | 7 | 18 | 41 | 56 | -15 | 37 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 23rd | | Peterborough | | 35 | 8 | 11 | 16 | 33 | 45 | -12 | 35 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 24th | | Chester | | 35 | 6 | 11 | 18 | 31 | 61 | -30 | 29 | | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| </pre>

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Physio David Atkinson confirmed after the game that Chaz Wrigley would be out for up to a fortnight - a bruised head leaving the medical team wanting to take no chances. He was, however, able to report the return of Daniel Nardiello , fit again after a month out with a foot injury.

On Tuesday, Fairway would speak to Phil Stansfield . The 18-year old left back, almost the 'forgotten man' of the Tykes squad, arrived on loan in late November from Leeds United as cover for right back Neil Austin . Due back to Elland Road in five days, the youngster - who is yet to make a senior Tykes appearance - wanted assurances from Fairway that his time hadn't been totally wasted. He recieved them - with Fairway telling the teenager that he had been impressed, but due to the sides' superb form of late, changes, other than those enforced, were simply unwise.

A day later, Richard Kell fell awkardly in training - leaving him out for around a fortnight with a wrist injury. With third-placed Carlisle United coming up on Saturday, Fairway decided to involve Dale Tonge with first-team training - the Reserve captain usually working with the youth players - with him likely to be needed at the weekend. Fullback Rob Atkinson would also be ruled out for a few days - a bad gash on his arm requiring stitches.

With Chaz Wrigley back in light training at least on Friday, the 17-year old led the line for the Youth team against Sunderland on Friday evening - and scored, in a 2-1 defeat. Fairway kept Neil Higgins - needed for Saturday - out of the side, so, in the circumstances, was not too disapointed to see Andy Porter's young side go down to a decent side.

Carlisle United v Barnsley - 24.2.07 - League Two

Fairway brought Nardiello back into the attack - with, as expected, Tonge replacing the injured Kell amongst the substitutes. Against a Carlisle side in absolutley woeful form - no wins since New Year's Day for a side who topped the league for over two months. An exciting, all-action opening though would see touches of obvious class from Carlisle - Djourou thundering the ball off the line on one occasion - whilst Barnsley too had chances, with Howard and Austin both finding the runs of Nardiello with dipping, pinpoint balls over the top of the Carlisle back line. At the break Fairway sent on Higgins for Richards, with Shuker again moving forward into the attack. On 49 though it would be the Cumbrians who took the lead - Hogan's free kick, down by the touchline, finding Shipperley's head at the near post, and the ex-Palace man powered a header beyond 'keeper Ubbergen. Higgins would be booked minutes later - his fifth of the season, with reserve games taken into account, earning a ban. With Carlisle finding more and more space - a Strachan snap shot well saved on 75 - Fairway was forced to react in a bid to save the game on 79, sending on Heslop and El-Abd for Wroe and Austin. Six minutes later, the change worked in superb style - El-Abd won the ball from a throw, and played a direct ball into the right channel for Shuker to chase. He did so, pulling square - and Heslop was on hand to steer past Calder from just inside the area for his first goal for the club. It was a tremendous move - the goal one out of the top drawer - and would seal the Tykes a point - condemming Carlisle to yet more dropped points.

Carlisle 1 - Barnsley 1

Attendance; 5498

Barnsley League Position; 1st

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Sunday would see Arsenal continue their domestic success - although it would go down to the wire against Portsmouth in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley - requiring penalties to take the trophy. Tommy Wright was not involved for Pompey. Meanwhile, Bradford and Sheffield Wednesday disposed of their managers - Colin Todd and Paul Sturrock respectivley. Back at Oakwell, Phil Stansfield returned to Leeds after the expiration of his loan deal.

A quiet start to the week again saw Fairway hurting for striking options - just Nardiello and Richards fit of the first team. The Reserves failed to offer any inspiration - an injury time Devaney equaliser against Northampton the solitary positive moment in an otherwise poor showing at Oakwell.

Fairway would also learn, from a particularly pessimistic supporter, on Friday, that the point secured on Saturday meant that Barnsley definatley wouldn't be playing Conference Football next season - whatever happened, they now could not be relegated. Excellent.

Barnsley v Wycombe Wanderers - 3.3.07 - League Two

Young Wrigley would be on the bench in place of the banned Higgins in the only change for the Tykes - a dry and pleasant March day at Oakwell showing that spring is on it's way. Wycombe had the best of the opening spell, earning a couple of corners, whilst Barnsley had to wait until the 39th minute for their first real chance - a corner, earned from a mishit backpass - headed just over by Williams. On 42 though the Tykes opened the scoring - Williams finding Nardiello, who hit a first-time ball into the box for Richards to curl the ball into the roof of the net. If the first half was a slow one, the second exploded into life - 45 seconds into the second period, Barnsley added a second - a long ball putting Ylonen under pressure, with the Finn losing out to Shuker. His neat pass found Nardiello , who made no mistake from inside the area - and leaving those who went for a half time pie wondering what they had missed. Two changes on 72 though would be seen by more - goalscorer Nardiello replaced by youngster Wrigley, whilst on the left, Howard made way for Heslop. Wycombe, despite the score, continued to play - Adnan Ahmed a threat in particular - but there would be no further goals, with the Tykes celebrating another victory - or, for some, further confirmation that Fairway's side wouldn't go down.

Barnsley 2 - Wycombe 0

Attendance; 9930

Barnsley League Position; 1st

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On Sunday, Richard Kell would return to training - back to full fitness by midweek.

As with recently, it was a quiet few days at Oakwell and in football generally - only two managerial appointments on Wednesday taking the back pages away from the usual rumour-mongering. Adrian Bothroyd bounced back after his Watford dismissal by taking the reigns at Sheffield Wednesday , whilst at Bradford, John McCormack , formerly with Scottish Junior side Bellshill , but highly rated, replaced Colin Todd at Valley Parade.

Fairway watched the second string in action on Wednesday evening - while most of the country were watching one of the European games involving British clubs - and saw a 0-0 draw with Doncaster . Unfortunatley, another injury would occur - midfielder Dale Tonge ruled out for up to a month with a twisted ankle.

Thursday would see young striker Danny Moore make a return to training after a month out with an ankle injury - the 16-year old, thought to have the potential for a good future at Oakwell, back to fitness at the perfect time with the end of season run-in fast approaching.

MK Dons v Barnsley - 10.3.07 - League Two

A trip to MK Dons' impressive new Denbeigh North stadium would see Fairway bring the fit-again Kell onto the bench, whilst Wrigley would also continue amongst the substitutes. Pre-match optimisim, however, was dulled by a poor performance in the first half - although MK Dons were equally as bad, with the home side playing a stifling game that didn't endear them to the local support. Fairway replaced Richards and Wroe at the break - Wrigley and Heslop coming on - but it was MK Dons who had the first chance, with Folan coming close with a shot that Ubbergen did well to hold. On 57 though a break - Austin-inspired - saw Barnsley take the lead - the full back picking out Wrigley, who then found fellow substitute Heslop - his powerful, low shot skidding into the corner of the net from just outside the area. Four minutes later, it was two - a Shuker free kick met with a powerful, downward header by Wrigley - the teenager netting his first goal in league football. From then on, Barnsley looked the far better side - Chaz Wrigley slotting home the third on 63 before being tripped on 75 - Chorley dismissed, and Kay sending the free kick into the net to put the Tykes further ahead. Barnsley were clear and deserved winners - keeping possession well, the range of passing and off the ball work confirmed the win long before even the second goal. A real game of two halves!

MK Dons 0 - Barnsley 4

Attendance; 12196

Barnsley League Position; 1st