A draw at Barnsley

After several of us explored some neighbouring farms, we eventually all met at the Barnsley home pitch. After our narrow defeat of them in our home match replay a couple of weeks ago, we were sure Barnsley would be out for revenge. It has to be said though that Barnsley are a lovely team with some great players and we really enjoyed playing them.

Before the match began Jodi and Vicky exchanged valentines gifts, because they love each other really!! (Jodi later told me that Vicky had instructed her to buy one because she had. It's a secret though. Don't tell anyone!!)

Batley made a strong start to the match. It was clear quickly that Barnsley's strength was in the middle with some great runs through midfield. Janna and Vicky were keen on their marks though and kept them at bay. Batley were the first to concede a short corner. Having drafted in a temporary keeper this week, this would be her first test of the match. We were having some slight kit issues and the game was stopped while we tied her into the kit with cable ties. The shot from Barnsley was clear easily and out keeper coped with our cobbled together defence well!!

Once again our forwards were working well together and making some great runs on the attack. We did manage to miss a couple of sitters, Jo assures me there was too many people in front of her. As she was playing left mid, I think it's perfectly acceptable not to score from that position.

At half time the score was still 0-0 both sides were having good attacks on goal.

The start of the second half saw a great first attack from Barnsley that took Batley by surprise. We managed to keep the attack at bay and were prepared for the new Barnsley play.

A great counter attack by Batley saw Jodi score a fantastic GOAL with a good strong hit in the D. 1-0 to Batley.

Barnsley were straight back on the attack and some terrible defending between Vicky and Newby left us in some dangerous situations. Our stand in keeper played a blinder and kept several shots at bay. Eventually Batley conceded a short corner that could be kept out and the score was 1-1. By now, defending had fallen completely to pieces and it was more luck than skill that kept the scores level. At one point Barnsley had a 2 on 1 with the keeper, who played a blinder in the situation.

The final score was 1-1, a fair representation of the game.

Jo and Sarah couldn't decide who would be our DOTD, either Jo for the missed shots or Sarah for being unable to stop on her feet through the match!

Next week, we have a week off, followed by 2 matches the week after.

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