Barnsley fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Peterborough United on the final day of the regulation Sky Bet League One campaign.
Goals from Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jack Taylor were enough for the Posh to seal all three points at Oakwell and secure a place in the end-of-season play-offs at the expense of Derby County, whom they leapfrogged into sixth place.
Ultimately, it wasn’t the ideal preparation for the Reds as we head into our own semi-final against Bolton Wanderers next week, but there were encouraging signs throughout the game as Michael Duff’s side created plenty of chances, but just couldn’t find the Midas touch.
Our cause wasn’t helped when we fell behind inside six minutes as the visitors intercepted a loose pass in midfield and broke at pace, with the ball eventually being slammed home from close range by Clarke-Harris.
Looking to respond, James Norwood applied pressure to United goalkeeper Will Norris, who was caught in possession and appeared to clip the Reds’ striker in the area, but the referee pointed for a goal kick.
Our number 9 then saw an effort ruled out for offside shortly after, while Devante Cole blazed high and wide when put through by Herbie Kane as we searched for an equaliser.
Moments before the interval, Barry Cotter met Luca Connell’s inswinging corner but powered his header wide as Barnsley ended the half strongly.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Peterborough United
The Reds made a bright start to the second half and came close to levelling when Kane’s free-kick caused chaos in the Peterborough box, but Liam Kitching’s prodded effort was smothered by Norris.
Neat, intricate play just before the hour mark resulted in Kane feeding a through ball down the flank to Nicky Cadden, whose cross was diverted behind from a corner, which was eventually nodded wide by Bobby Thomas.
Despite our pressure, Posh still offered a threat on the counter-attack, and the Reds were indebted to Harry Isted when he thwarted Taylor twice in quick succession, first with his leg and then up high.
Shortly after being introduced from the bench, Josh Benson and Slobodan Tedić combined to great effect and almost found an equaliser when the Serbian’s header was superbly tipped around the post by Norris.
However, we were made to rue those missed opportunities as United doubled their lead with quarter of an hour remaining as Taylor headed home a corner.
The Reds were unable to muster a response in the time that followed, with Tedić’s blocked volley the only real glimpse.
Up next is a trip to Bolton in the first leg of our League One play-off semi-final on Saturday.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 0-2 Peterborough United
REDS XI: Isted (GK), Williams, Cotter (J Benson, 67), B Thomas, Kitching (C), Cadden, Kane (L Thomas, 67), Connell, Phillips, Cole (Tedić, 67), Norwood (Watters, 46).
Not used: Collins, Cundy, Russell.
POSH XI: Norris (GK), Edwards, Kent, Taylor, Clarke-Harris, Mason-Clark, Poku (Knight, 63), Burrows, Norburn, Kyprianou, Ward.
Not used: Blackmore (GK), Butler, Jones, Thompson, Randall, Tshimanga.
