AUGUST 2007
BUOYED by a summer of optimism and backed in the transfer market after Patrick Cryne's investment put the Club on a firmer financial footing, manager Simon Davey embarked on his first full season in charge as Coventry City arrived at Oakwell in the early August sun.
In came Lewin Nyatanga, Rob Kozluk, Andy Johnson, Miguel Mostto, Kayode Odejayi, Marciano Van Homoet, Rohan Ricketts, Dominik Werling and Dennis Souza. By the time the August transfer window had closed Heinz Muller, Stephen Foster, Anderson de Silva and Kim Christensen would also arrive at Oakwell.
Pre-season had gone well and with a squad packed full of new, exciting players, things seemed rosy. It didn't really start that way as the Sky Blues threw off their shackled to romp to a 4-1 win. A Brian Howard penalty was scant consolation.
Paul Reid and Istvan Ferenczi were on target three days later as the Reds got their campaign off an running with a Carling Cup win over Darlington. Ex-Red Tommy Wright netted the Quakers goal.
A first league point swiftly followed as the Reds survived Reid's dismissal to hold Colchester United at Layer Road on August 18. A brace of penalties by Howard was enough to put a point on the board.
A point was quickly followed by the first win as Plymouth came to Oakwell and were blown away in a five goal thriller. Dominik Werling, Ferenczi and Howard were on target to beat the Pilgrims.
Barnsley's first taste of the big time came at the end of the month when they travelled to Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. A much-changed side were magnificent at St James' Park but two late goals by Michael Owen and Obefeni Martins were enough to send the Reds crashing out of the competition. Dwayne Mattis did well while youngster Jacob Butterfield had his first taste of life in the first team with a brief cameo.
SEPTEMBER 2007
SEPTEMBER started with a daunting trip to West Bromwich Albion with memories of last season's hammering still fresh in the mind.
Barnsley made a better game of it this time around and were well in the contest for long periods. Two defensive slips gave promotion-chasing Albion a cushion but had Anderson De Silva's effort hit the back of the net instead of West Brom keeper Dean Keily than thing could have been so different. Filipe Teixeira and Craig Beattie bagged goals for the Baggies.
Barnsley were buoyed by a good showing at the Hawthorns and returned to Oakwell on September 15 to face newly-promoted Scunthorpe United. A bizarre Marcus Williams own goal and Kayode Odejayi's stunner gave the Reds three vital points as Jamal Campbell-Ryce made an instant impact after signing for the Club.
The Reds then went to Stoke City and again showed their mettle with a stirring away display. Barnsley were the better team by far at the Britannia Stadium despite suffering a set back early when Rob Kozluk was forced off through injury. Although they had to hang on a little at the end, the Reds returned to Oakwell with a vital point.
Barnsley were away again on September 22 as they made the long trip to Southampton looking to improve on last season's collapse at St Mary's. Grant McCann netted two of the best free kicks from a Reds player ever to put Simon Davey's men two up. Southampton rallied and Marek Saganowski pulled one back on the stroke of half time.
The second half belonged to Saints and they laid siege to the Barnsley goal and the Reds had to do it the hard way after Dominik Werling saw red on 70 minutes. However, it took until stoppage time for the home side to draw level when Inigo Idiakez looked to have broken Barnsley. However, while Saints were busy celebrating, Martin Devaney completed a smash and grab raid straight from the kick off to nab all three points.
It was back to Oakwell on September 29 and the first of a season trilogy against Cardiff City. In an entertaining clash the Bluebirds struck first when Jimmy Flloyd Hasselbaink headed the visitors in front on 73 minutes. Barnsley fought back and showed true grit to drag themselves level when skipper Brian Howard nodded home with six minutes to go.
OCTOBER 2007
OCTOBER 2007 started with a bang as the Reds comprehensively blew away Bristol City's unbeaten start to the campaign at Oakwell.
The Robins had one of the only unbeaten records in the Football League going into the game but they were completely outplayed, outfought and outthought in a barnstorming second half that saw Brian Howard, Dennis Souza and Martin Devaney hit the goal trail.
The result lifted the Reds towards the Play Offs and Simon Davey's men backed it up with a hard-fought point at Charlton Athletic on October 6. Although trailing to Zheng Zhi's opener, the Reds boss changed things around and substitute Kim Christensen netted a late, late leveller to grab a point. It could have been even better for the Reds had Grant McCann not shanked one wide of the target in stoppage time.
Burnley were next at Oakwell on October 20 and Andy Gray put the visitors into an early lead with a fortuitous strike. Peruvian Miguel Mostto netted his first goal in English football late in the second half to earn a share of the spoils.
Barnsley were back on the road just two days later when they travelled to Hull City. Phil Brown side had a great night in front of the Sky cameras as Fraiser Campbell ran riot to score two early goals. Dean Marney added a third late on as the Reds were hit for three.
It did not get much better at Leicester City on October 27 when Collins John and Patrick Kisnorbo bagged a brace for the Foxes midway through the first half to effectively end the game as a contest.
Barnsley ended October in 13th place with 17 points from their opening 13 Championship matches.
NOVEMBER 2007
NOVEMBER 2007 started with a bang for keeper Heinz Muller as he pulled off one of the greatest penalty saves ever seen at Oakwell to deny Preston striker Neil Mellor deep in stoppage time.
The big German dove full-length to tip Mellor's well-struck spot kick over the bar and earn the Reds a much-needed victory after Istvan Ferenczi had netted the only goal of the game.
Muller was again in fine form as Barnsley were again forced to play two games in three days when Blackpool came to Oakwell on November 5. Brian Howard and Ferenczi netted the goals to put the Reds two up only for Keith Southern to force a tense finale. Barnsley hung on for three points in front of the cameras.
The Reds were on the road again on November 10 when they travelled to Wolves and again should have had something from a tense and tight encounter, which was settled by Neill Collins' early goal although Ferenczi believed his late leveller should have stood despite a controversial flag by official Amy Raynor.
Barnsley were back at Oakwell a week later and had to battle hard against title-chasing Watford. It was a game to remember as Howard and ex-Hornet Martin Devaney put the Reds two up early on. Danny Shittu scored twice as the Reds succumbed to Watford's long ball game in the first half. The match was perfectly set up after the break and Lewin Nyatanga ensured the Reds were smiling at the end of it when he pressurised Richard Lee into putting the ball into his own net midway through the half.
Fast-forward three days and the Reds travelled en-masse to Hillsborough looking to take advantage of the Owls wretched start to the season. It was more of the same away from home though as the Reds competed well and should have had something from the game but Akpo Sodje's winner meant a disappointing trip back to Oakwell for 6,000 fans.
After an up and down month, the Reds ended November in tenth place with 26 points from their 18 matches.
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.
JANUARY 2008
A NEW Year brought new hope and expectations but the Reds were still suffering from nightmares on their travels as the trip to Scunthorpe United on January 1 proved.
Barnsley were two goals down early in the second half when Ian Morris and Kelly Youga put the hosts clear. Again it took a massive shock to kick start the Reds and Simon Davey threw caution to the wind. The changes paid off when substitute Grant McCann rocked Glanford Park before Brian Howard netted the leveller from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
The Reds' FA Cup adventure kicked off on January 5 with the visit of Blackpool. Again the Seasiders had the better of it and looked to be heading through after David Fox had put them in front. It was another late showing but goals from Stephen Foster and Michael Coulson booked the Reds' place in Round Four. Youngster Kyle Letheren played the second half in goal after an injury to Heinz Muller.
Barnsley's good early season form at Oakwell was blown apart by a rejuvenated Norwich City side on January 12 despite Martin Devaney's stunning opening goal. The Canaries stormed back into the game with goals by Ched Evans, Mark Fotheringham and Dion Dublin.
On the road again and suffering from the same away day blues, Barnsley arrived at Loftus Road on January 19 looking to pick up a much needed win. It did not work out like that as two first half defensive blunders gifted Rowan Vine and Patrick Agyemang the goals.
Barnsley needed goals and Simon Davey moved quickly into the market to bring back Daniel Nardiello after a torrid time at QPR.
Things picked up on January 25 when Simon Davey took his side to League One Southend United in the FA Cup Fourth Round. Jamal Campbell-Ryce netted the only goal of a keenly fought game to put the Reds into the hat for the Fifth Round. Barnsley were handed a trip to Anfield.
January was rounded off in fine fashion when the Reds picked up three much-needed league points at Oakwell against Colchester United. One goal was enough and Jon Macken was on hand on his return to the Club after signing on a permanent basis earlier that week.
January was a tough month for the Reds but they had made it through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup and ended on a high after beating Colchester. They finished the month in 13th place with 37 points.
FEBRUARY 2008
FEBRUARY started in despairing fashion as news filtered through of Heinz Muller's season ending knee injury.
The big German ruptured his cruciate ligament in January's win over Colchester United and would not play again for the Reds during the 2007/2008 campaign. It was a bitter blow for Muller, who looked to be a real find and the outstanding keeper in the Championship.
Simon Davey moved quickly into the transfer market and snapped up experienced Fulham keeper Tony Warner on loan. Warner endured a nightmare debut as Barnsleu capitulated embarrassingly at Coventry City on February 2.
The Reds were well and truly thumped as Leon Best ran riot and City's strugglers made a mockery of their own relegation fight to embarrass Simon Davey's men with an easy 4-0 win.
Barnsley needed something and hopes were not that high when title-chasing West Brom came to Oakwell a week later. However, Barnsley's bettered troops turned in one of their season-defining performances as they raced into a two goal lead with well-taken goals by Daniel Nardiello and Jon Macken. James Morrison pulled one back in the second half but the Reds defended magnificently to claim another memorable Oakwell scalp.
Barnsley's travel sickness would come back to haunt them though on Tuesday February 12 when they made the long, long, long journey to Plymouth. It was the second time in successive seasons that Simon Davey's men were forced to go to Home Park for a midweek game with the Football League fixture computer seemingly bearing a grudge against Reds' fans.
The game itself started in the worst possible fashion when Lewin Nyatanga was very harshly sent off with just minutes on the clock. Plymouth ran out 3-0 winners after Nyatanga'a shocking dismissal although the red card was rightly rescinded on appeal.
Saturday February 16 2008 is a day that will live forever in Barnsley history. It is the day the Reds took on mighty Liverpool in their own backyard and gave the European giants a hiding. New signing Luke Steele was thrown in at the deep end at Anfield and performed heroics to deny Liverpool time and time again.
Athough Dirk Kuyt put the home side in front, Barnsley roared back through Stephen Foster and looked to be heading for a memorable draw until skipper Brian Howard popped up in stoppage time to fire a historic winner.
The draw for the Sixth Round was made the following Monday. Barnsley would face Chelsea at Oakwell in March.
For all the highs after the Anfield win, Barnsley were brought crashing down to earth at Norwich City a week later as the Reds inability to put the ball in the back of the net away from home came back to cost them. Jamie Cureton did find the back of the net for the Canaries to win the game but the match was marred by a serious knee injury to midfielder Anderson de Silva. The Brazilian would not play for Barnsley again for the rest of the season.
With games to make up, Barnsley struggled to cope with their fixture pile up. QPR were next to take advantage of this as they came to Oakwell on February 26 and ground out a tiresome goalless draw. It was another missed opportunity for Simon Davey's squad.
Although the cup win at Anfield brought international recognition, the Reds struggled to keep pace in the league and had slipped to 16th place on 41 points.
MARCH 2008
MARCH 2008 kicked off with a massive local derby at Oakwell as Sheffield Wednesday came to town.
Again the weather was the only real winner on the day as both sides struggled to play and neither could find a decisive goal. Rob Kozluk provided the only real talking point of the 90 minutes when his late challenge in stoppage time earned the ex-Blade a second yellow card and an early walk to the dressing room.
Barnsley picked things up on March 4 when they made the trip to Blackpool for a rematch with the Seasiders. Jamal Campbell-Ryce grabbed an equaliser for the Reds on the stroke of half time after Gary Taylor Fletcher had put Pool into an early lead. The game finished level.
The world's media again turned its attention to Oakwell on Saturday March 8 when the millionaires of Chelsea came to town in the Sixth Round of the FA Cup. Although the Blues were missing Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard, they still turned out a very, very strong team packed with multi-million pound players and international superstars.
Barnsley responded with the performance of a decade and took the game to Chelsea from the off. There were a few hairy moments along the way but when Kayode Odejayi rose to nod in a memorable goal on 66 minutes, Oakwell was in raptures and history was made. Simon Davey's side hung on magnificently to record a very famous victory and book a place in the FA Cup Semi Final against Cardiff City at Wembley in early April.
The Reds could have been excused for a slip up the following Tuesday when Ipswich Town arrived at Oakwell and things looked bleak when Pablo Counago netted early on.Brian Howard dragged the Reds back into the game before the Reds skipper turned in a memorable second half with another goal and two assists as Jon Macken and a David Wright own goal capped another great night.
The wheels started to come off the Reds league form in mid-March as they crashed away at Crystal Palace before slipping to a home defeat at the hands of Sheffield United. They faired little better at Burnley on April 29 as a waterlogged Turf Moor got the better of the Reds and the Clarets rode out 201 winners.
Again the FA Cup proved to be a massive distraction as three straight defeats at the end of March plunged the Reds into a relegation scrap. They ended March just a point out of the bottom three in 20th place.
APRIL / MAY 2008
Barnsley started April 2008 with their dream FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley against Cardiff City.
Backed by more than 34,000 Reds fans and with the opportunity of a lifetime in front of them, Simon Davey's side performed magnificently on the day but were eventually denied by Joe Ledley's first half goal.
Kayode Odejayi's second half miss would go down in Oakwell folklore as the big striker fluffed his lines and the Reds crashed to a heartbreaking defeat. It was hard to take but Barnsley came out of their cup run with an enormous amount of credit and a lot of friends.
The Reds slipped into the bottom three after the Wembley weekend and badly needed a lift. It came in the giant form of Odejayi as the big Nigerian took Watford apart at Vicarage Road just three days later and plundered two goals against a side who would have gone top of the table with a win. Barnsley were brilliant against the Hornets and coasted to a 3-0 win, Stephen Foster netting the other goal.
Barnsley were on the road again on April 12 as they travelled to Preston North End looking for more joy. Diego Leon and Jon Macken put the Reds two up and they managed to hold on despite a nervy finale to chalk up another notable win.
Simon Davey's side set up a tense final few weeks of the season as home defeats by Hull City and Leicester City left the Reds needing another win to secure Championship safety.
The vital three points came on April 26 as Jamal Campbell-Ryce inspired the Reds to a fine win over Charlton Athletic. Campbell-Ryce netted the opener at Oakwell with Lewin Nyatanga and Macken also hitting the back of the net. It was a great team performance and fittingly secured another season of Championship football in front of the Reds faithful.
Barnsley finished 2007/2008 at Cardiff City on May 4 with nothing to play for. In the end the Bluebirds won 3-0 but the game was notable for Jacob Butterfield's full debut and a first appearance for young striker Jamil Adam.
Barnsley ended the year in 18th place in the table with 55 points.
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