PETERBOROUGH 1
BARNSLEY SUPPORTERS FC 8

BARNSLEY returned from Cambridgeshire with all three points after an eight goal blitz ruined United's superb start to the IFA season.

The Reds even had to come from behind but did so in style to make it 15 goals in their last two games following the win over Halifax.

The home side were the first to threaten after Barnsley failed to deal with a long goal kick but the Posh striker fired his low shot across goal and wide of Danny Haig's right hand post.

Richard Brown had a decent effort for the Reds but it was the hosts who struck first just after the quarter hour mark. A Rory Delap style long throw from the left was headed away by Chris Lee, only for Ian WALKER to turn and fire a low shot past Haig.

The goal merely stirred Barnsley into action though and within moments Jon HARPER's diving header found the roof of the net from Simon Newey's right wing corner.

The visitors continued to press and after going close on another couple of occasions they finally hit the front. Rob Pick did well from Alex Varley's throw in to turn the ball into the danger zone, and after the Posh defence failed to clear Rich BROWN turned the ball home.

Barnsley were getting plenty of joy down the Peterborough right hand side and this time Kieron Brown's deft flick sent Sam OWEN into the penalty area and after sweeping past a defender shot low under the goalkeeper for the Reds' third.

The Posh kept plugging away though and Haig was forced into a diving save to his right from a powerful 20 yard effort.

The Reds were in sparkling form though and a sublime through ball from Harper sent Rich BROWN clear and the recently free-scoring midfielder calmly slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper.

Owen was causing problems down the Barnsley left and found two-goal Rich Brown in space once again. Brown returned the pass to Owen and the winger's shot was headed spectacularly into his own net by a Peterborough defender giving the goalkeeper absolutely no chance.

Barnsley were oozing confidence and their first chance of the second half came after a mesmeric Zidane-esque piece of skill from Rich Brown on the left hand side but his ball across the six-yard box just evaded Kieron Brown.

Haig was called into action soon and produced a fine one handed save to his right and when the rebound fell invitingly for a Posh striker Josh Mills produced a wonderful headed goalline clearance to keep the four goal lead intact.

Owen's pace had been troubling Peterborough ever since he came on and this time Jonno Smales picked out the perfect through ball for OWEN to race in on goal and add Barnsley's sixth of the morning.

Captain Harper was getting stuck in as always and again won the ball in midfield before feeding the ball to Newey. The striker's cross was perfect for his forward partner Rob Pick but somehow he managed to volley his effort wide.

Pick made amends soon after though by finding Kieron BROWN who controlled the ball and set himself before hitting a stupendous effort into the top corner of the net from 25 yards. It really was a goal of the season contender already from the much improved striker.

Pick was again in the action after a raking cross field ball from Mills and this time was unlucky as his left footed strike was deflected narrowly wide.

The scoring was complete when Tom Pick's short corner saw Owen plant the ball onto Gavin Saville's head and the defender's deft header across goal found striker PICK who deservedly got himself on the scoresheet with a cushioned header.

The home side were still plugging away and threatened with a header before Bill Redfern headed a curling free kick off the line. Haig was then called into action again when he tipped a header from a corner over his crossbar.

But despite United finishing strongly there was no doubt which team had dominated the match and earned a thoroughly deserved victory.

Barnsley: Danny Haig; Josh Mills, Gavin Saville, Chris Lee, Alex Varley; Jonno Smales, Jon Harper (c), Tom Pick, Richard Brown; Rob Pick, Simon Newey

Subs (all used): Lee Beard, Bill Redfern, Sam Owen, Kieron Brown

Goals: Jon Harper, Richard Brown (2), Sam Owen (2), own goal, Kieron Brown, Rob Pick

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