SEASON REVIEW - DECEMBER 2007
DECEMBER 2007
BARNSLEY kicked off December buoyed by a good November and within striking distance of the top six.
The Reds started things with a tough trip to Portman Road where Ipswich Town had enjoyed a perfect start to the season. Barnsley showed grit and determination to end Ipswich's 100 per cent home record as they held the Tractor Boys to a priceless goalless draw.
Wolves were next up at Oakwell and Mick McCarthy's men were sent packing back to Molineux with a fine display. After dominating the first half, Istvan Ferenczi grabbed the only goal of the game shortly after the interval. The Reds had to thank star keeper Heinz Muller yet again as the big German denied Andy Keogh from the penalty spot to bag all three points.
Barnsley were in action again at Oakwell on December 8 when the wind and rain made a mockery of the clash with Crystal Palace. Both team battled hard but had to settle for a point.
The Reds were on the road the following week when they travelled to Sheffield United. Barnsley again should have had something from the trip to Bramall Lane but were denied by Matt Killgallon's second half header.
Barnsley were on the receiving end again a week later when they lost out by the odd goal in five in a controversial clash at Bristol City. They were in front twice through Jon Macken and Dennis Souza only to be pegged back by Enoch Showumni. There was controversy in the second half when Jamal Campbell-Ryce saw very hard red card after being blatantly tripped in the area before Darren Byfield netted a late, late winner for the Ashton Gate side.
For all the controversy at Ashton Gate, it was nothing compared to what happened at Oakwell on Boxing Day when Stoke City and referee Trevor Kettle arrived in town. Barnsley were magnificent and footballed Stoke's long ball side into submission for most of the game and the Reds had their noses in front three times through Macken (2) and Brian Howard. Stoke however it back and pummelled the Reds with high balls until they got back into the game and grabbed the most controversial of penalties to steal a point in the seventh minute of stoppage time. Liam Lawrence netted from the spot to complete his hat trick. Stephen Foster was also dismissed for the Reds late in the game.
Barnsley supporters enjoyed an end of year goal fest again on December 29 when Southampton came to town. Sam Togwell's stunner put the Reds in front before Campbell-Ryce hit an even better strike to double the advantage. It was a real game of two halves as the Saints stormed back after the break and substitute Bradley Wright-Phillips bagged two goals to hold the Reds.
Barnsley stuttered through December and ended the month in 13th place with 33 points on the board.
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