Some really soft bookings for our midfield too- Murphy winning the ball in the challenge which cost him the next match and Tonge booked for pulling back (which had been going on all of the first half) within a minute or so of coming on at the start of the second were particularly bad.
That said, we were far too negative in the first half, struggling to keep possession because of too much hoof. There were plenty of times when Pugh was in acres of space down the left, but Pearce was determined to keep smashing it up to Smith. They could easily have been ahead after a mistake from Zalukias let in Tudgay, but we held on and were much better in the second half...
Even though we had a lot of pressure it was all too easy to deal with for Barnsley, especially in the last 20mins when Lees ignored all of Byram's running on the wing and hoofed the exact same ball from just inside their half diagonally into the box... I think that even if he had played one or two down the wing, we might have converted a chance.
Not our day, but I think the team showed a lack of creativity. I think a winger to come off the bench and change the shape is definitely no.1 on the list for January, and maybe a better competitive midfielder as I don't think Tonge or Brown are good enough to come on for more than a half.
Zalukias MOTM, generally the most composed player on the pitch and made countless interceptions/important slides. There were a few times he made clearing headers, ended up on the floor, but then managed to get up to make another. Hopefully the shocking tackle that got Tudgay sent off didn't do too much lasting damage. Hopefully we'll get him tied down to a longer contract before the end of the season!
Atmosphere looked and sounded amazing. Hope it was a good experience despite the result.