PREVIEW: Barnsley Vs Portsmouth

14 December 2018

The Reds welcome Pompey to Oakwell this weekend and we've got it covered here with your big match preview!

It's a big weekend for the Reds, looking to recover from back-to-back defeats in Sky Bet League One, up against this season's frontrunners, Portsmouth who currently sit proudly at the top of the table.

After a somewhat cruel defeat two weeks ago on Wearside against Sunderland, Daniel Stendel's side were beaten again on the road last weekend at Wycombe in a performance that the Reds' Head Coach labelled both 'disappointing' and 'frustrating'.

With six points missed out on, the Reds are now down to sixth in the league standings and with the next few weeks about to see Barnsley up against some of their nearest rivals in the battle for promotion, it's imperative that Stendel's men respond accordingly back on home soil.

Oakwell

Oakwell has proven comforting indeed this season, with the Reds unbeaten in normal time across 13 fixtures, league and cup. Indeed, you've to go right back to March 17th (against Millwall) for a Barnsley home defeat. That afternoon was terribly cold, with snow pounding the stadium throughout. Some nine months down the line and weather forecasters are suggesting the white stuff might well fall again upon Oakwell.

The Reds' coaching staff will be hoping defeat stays away, that's a given. During the week, Assistant Head Coach, Andreas Winkler discussed recent results during his pre-match press briefing, looking ahead to the challenge of facing the league leaders. You can watch both his and midfielder Cameron McGeehan's press conference videos over on iFollow Barnsley.

Former Luton Town man, McGeehan suffered a broken leg against Pompey in January 2017, an injury that ruled out an earlier move to Oakwell. He discusses that incident, naturally, while assuring supporters that the Reds are keen to put recent disappointments behind them when the high-flying visitors pitch up this weekend.

Apologies, this video is unvailable.

Saturday's opponents are having a superb season thus far. Six points clear in Sky Bet League One, 12 points ahead of the Reds going into this one.

They are however, coming off the back of a very rare defeat this season. Beaten at Fratton Park by Charlton in midweek, Kenny Jackett's side will be looking to bounce back from what was just their second league loss of the campaign.

A side packed with attacking talent, Pompey have goalscorers throughout their ranks. Whether it's the experienced Brett Pitman and Joe Mason, or the youngsters such as Ronan Curtis and Jamal Lowe, the division's pace-setters will be a real threat from all areas on Saturday afternoon.

Portsmouth manager, Jackett is a man who has been there, done it and bought several t-shirts during a long and successful career in management.

22 years as a manager now, he's guided both Wolves and Millwall to promotion from this division, as well as taking the latter to an FA Cup semi final in 2012.

Jackett suffered League One playoff heartbreak as Swansea City manager when his side were beaten on penalties by the Reds in Cardiff back in 2006.

Kenny Jackett

It's six years since the two sides last locked horns. It was a Sky Bet Championship meeting, a 2-0 victory for Barnsley thanks to Jim O'Brien and Matty Done goals.

You have to go back to 2001 for a Pompey win on Oakwell turf. That was a sensational evening for the away side - a 4-1 victory in which Croatian legend Robert Prosinecki put on a majestic display that is still remarked upon to this day.

In August of 1999, the Reds put nine-man Portsmouth to the sword. A 6-0 thrashing at Oakwell that saw rare goals for Matty Appleby and a Darren Barnard wonder-strike.

Barnsley emerged victorious in the first ever meeting of the two clubs - a 1-0 home victory in the 1907 FA Cup.

Robert Prosinecki

Tickets for this game remain on sale at their cheapest up until 5pm in-store, and midnight online.

If you can't get to the match, we will as always be bringing you LIVE and uninterrupted commentary from Oakwell on iFollow Barnsley.

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Match Reports

REPORT: Barnsley 1-1 Portsmouth

15 December 2018

The Reds fight back against Pompey to claim a point, but it could probably have been more in this Sky Bet League One clash.

Yet another Cauley Woodrow strike an hour into this match got the Reds a point in a game they dominated at Oakwell.

That goal cancelled out Gareth Evans' first half opener, which was gift wrapped by Barnsley, two minutes before the break.

Reds Head Coach, Daniel Stendel had made four changes from the defeat at Wycombe, with Brad Potts, Dimitri Cavaré, Adam Jackson and Dani Pinillos back in the starting XI.

Barnsley were dominant for much of the first half, Woodrow in particular looked destined to add to his increasing goals tally, but found visiting 'keeper MacGillivray in inspired form.

The Pompey stopper thwarted Woodrow twice in the first 20 minutes of the game. The first effort a half-volley that was parried above him, the ball dropped a few yards from goal for Potts who slammed the effort over when it looked easier to hit the target.

Woodrow's second effort was hit with venom, following a superb Kieffer Moore cut-back, and again the 'keeper parried, but got enough on the save this time to see the ball behind for a corner.

On the half hour mark, Cameron McGeehan - who was impressive for the Reds - took aim from the edge of the box and saw the ball superbly tipped over by the Pompey goalkeeper with one hand.

Potts got to the byline with 38 minutes on the clock, his cross was punched by MacGillivray but only to Moore who instead of squaring for a teammate, tried the shot but it screwed well wide.

Against the run of play, the league leaders took the lead. Alex Mowatt tried to clear from inside his own box, but the clearance didn't get far, with Gareth Evans picking the ball up on the edge of the area and picking his spot, firing his shot in hard and low into the bottom right-hand corner of Adam Davies' goal.

HALF TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Pompey

Stendel replaced Cavaré at the break, with Jacob Brown on in his place at right back as the Reds looked to get back into the contest.

The second period was a lot less eventful, indeed it took 10 minutes to see an effort from either side, in what were atrocious conditions.

Potts it was who tried a long range strike, but the ball whistled a yard over the Portsmouth crossbar.

However, just five minutes later, Potts was involved in the Reds' equaliser, as his right-wing cross towards the near post was spotted perfectly by Woodrow who'd peeled off his marker, and the Fulham loanee stabbed the ball home beyond the onrushing Pompey 'keeper.

George Moncur made way for Lloyd Isgrove with 63 minutes on the clock.

Pompey had few chances, but on 69 minutes Ronan Curtis was sent through on goal, but his shot was superbly repelled by Davies with his legs.

Mamadou Thiam replaced Potts with 10 minutes remaining.

But whilst the Reds remained on top and looked most likely to grab a winner, clear cut opportunities weren't coming and despite Moore shooting wide when a brilliant Isgrove run had freed him inside the box, Barnsley had to make do with a point on the day.

FULL TIME: Barnsley 1-1 Pompey

Davies, Cavaré (Brown 45), Jackson, Pinnock, Pinillos, Potts (Thiam 80), Mowatt, McGeehan, Moncur (Isgrove 63), Moore, Woodrow.

Unused: Greatorex, Adeboyejo, Lindsay, Bähre.

Att: 12, 441 (1,674 away)

Ticket News

Family Zone vs Portsmouth

11 December 2018

Open from 1.30pm and based in the Investment Room East Stand Upper, the Family Zone is the best place for young children to sit and experience the match.

The Family Zone is a regular host to a number of exclusive and child friendly activities for the entire family to get involved with throughout the season. There is also a unique catering menu, featuring special options created specifically for children. All activities will be run pre-match, and once the action is underway, they will be carefully stored until the next home fixture.

Take a look at what we've got in store for you this weekend:

1. Meet Toby Tyke

No visit to Oakwell would be complete without meeting our mischievous mascot, Toby Tyke. Toby will be prowling around the Family Zone prior to kick-off, so be sure to grab him for a selfie and hi-five.

2. Giveaways

Across the course of the 2018/19 season, a number of items will be given away in the Family Zone. This week, it's the Christmas edition of Toby Tyke's cartoon. Be sure to pick up a free copy before kick-off and find out if Toby managed to save Christmas!

3. Experience Upgrade

At each home Sky Bet League One fixture, a number of selected supporters have received an ‘Experience Upgrade’. This has seen young fans become a member of the matchday squad, watch warm-ups from the dugout and even assist the referee with his pre-match duties.

This week it’s a special one. Every supporter under the age of 13 who has a ticket will go in to a draw for the opportunity to join our Flagbearers on the pitch!

As per last week, a member of Barnsley FC staff will be on the concourse from 2.30pm to select a lucky fan!

4. Fun & Games

Love playing pool? Reckon you can beat your family at Connect 4? The Family Zone will have a number of other activities for children to engage with. This will range from a colouring station, through to table football and Connect 4.

5. Santa Claus

With the clash against Portsmouth being our last Oakwell fixture before Christmas, a special guest is scheduled to make an appearance at approximately 2.30pm, before meeting other fans at half-time!

6. Half Time Sing-a-long

Half time is set to be special, as Janine Dyer is back by popular demand. She will be performing a number of festive classics on Oakwell, that all supporters can join in with.

Tickets for Saturday's game remain on sale to all fans. Tickets can be purchased either in the Reds Superstore, over the phone on 01226 211 183 or online.

Online Tickets

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Standings

PREVIEW: Barnsley Vs Portsmouth

REPORT: Barnsley 1-1 Portsmouth

Family Zone vs Portsmouth