Website reaction to City's win at Oakwell

Last updated : 06 August 2006 By Michael Morris

All the goals came in the first half that saw a devastating 5 mins of City play when both goals were scored. Michael Chopra's cross was met by Joe Ledley to score City's first goal of the new season and just a few minutes later it was 2 – 0. Ledley this time turned provider as his ball from the left was met first time by Steve Thompson to make it 2 – 0.

City fans were in fine voice but they fell silent when Brian Howard scored a cracker of a goal. He controlled a cross on his chest before turning to volley home from the edge of the box.

City saw out the first half comfortable enough. It was then a case of who would control the second half.

What we saw was a cracking game of entertaining football for the neutral. As a City fan we had highs and lows, Joe Ledley hit the post with a rasping drive. Darren Purse then missed a penalty after Scimeca was fouled. Purse opted to hit it hard and low to his right. Colgan the keeper guessed right and saved well. No real surprise, he's the chap that kept Swansea out in the play off final.

Barnsley attacked, they hit the bar and saw efforts cleared off the line. City on the counter could have picked up a couple themselves. Chopra on a couple of occasions was just inches away from a decent contact that would have given City a more comfortable scoreline.

The three mins of injury time were mostly spent in the Barnsley left hand defensive corner as City stifled possession to secure the win.

Kevin Campbell, Roger Johnson and Willo Flood all came off the bench to make their debuts. Gilbert, McPhail and Chopra started.

The announcer declared over 1600 City fans were at Oakwell and they spent most of he second half chanting the tune to Ring Of Fire.

The relief and euphoria at the final whistle was evident as fans hugged each other and as Dave Jones walked towards the tunnel he applauded the City fans who backed their team with passion.