Lack of goal threat clear as Reds cannot break down League 2 Crewe
Barnsley 0, Crewe Alexandra 0
ONE of the many things Barnsley lacked last season was a cutting edge up front – and the woes of last season’s campaign will need to change, and quick, if they’re going to be fighting for promotion in League One.
The aim of pre-season is always to just get minutes into the legs of players who have been away from the pitch over the summer, but Saturday’s 0-0 draw will be a stark reminder to the powers that be that the Reds desperately need some more fire power up top.
Devante Cole and Aaron Leya Iseka, and then Jack Aitchison and American trialist Sebastian Soto in the second half, offered very little threat to a Crewe defence which conceded 83 times in League One last season.
The 0-0 draw wasn’t the best game to watch, but there were certainly some positives that Barnsley fans can look forward to for the upcoming season.
DUFF VOCAL ON TOUCHLINE
Head coach Michael Duff was barking orders from the analyst box on Saturday – something we haven’t seen a Reds manager do since Valerien Ismael’s successful time in charge.
Duff clearly has a vision of what he wants and, by demanding more from the players against Crewe during the game, it was evident they were buying into it.
On numerous occasions, the crowd turned quiet to hear the voice of the new boss and his tactics.
He asked for the players to break the Crewe press and demanded more from strikers Devante Cole and Leya Iseka in the first half, asking them to make runs in behind.
New first team coach Martin Paterson provided much of the same attitude on the sidelines – a refreshing change from the near-silence Reds fans have had to endure recently.
Both Markus Schopp and Poya Asbaghi were often timid on the touchline, offering no clear encouragement to the players – but it looks like that could be changing at Oakwell.
LACK OF STRIKERS
Duff confirmed in his post-match interview with the Chronicle that former Leicester City striker Jack Butterfill has been signed for the development squad.
He scored in last Friday’s under 23 game against Penistone Church, and has been the only attacking signing the Reds have made this summer.
The Reds surely can’t head into the first League One game with their current strikeforce.
They realistically have three recognised strikers, with only Cole having any experience of the league.
Leya Iseka has only appeared bright in spells, whilst Aiden Marsh and David Bremang have fewer than five competitive appearances between them.
Losing Carlton Morris, Cauley Woodrow and Victor Adeboyejo was always going to be difficult for the Reds, but to have not signed a striker in the transfer window and to be just a fortnight away from a new season in this state is surely worrying for fans.
The final third was the only area where Michael Duff felt the team was lacking and he admitted they will need to strengthen in that area.
STYLES AND COLLINS RETURN
Two of Barnsley’s best players in recent years have been goalkeeper Collins and Hungarian international Callum Styles.
Collins has been out with an injury since April, while Styles was given extra time off due to his international exploits.
It was the first time Duff will have seen the two play – and he admitted he was impressed with the way Collins kept out a number of efforts.
Styles, playing at left wing-back, generally impressed fans and it was good to see him don the Reds jersey – perhaps for the last time.
He’s a target for tomorrow’s opponents Premier League Nottingham Forest – and their Greek sister club Olympiacos – but the Reds are thought to be holding out for a multi-million pound offer.
The signing of the impressive Nicky Cadden is not to replace Styles, Duff told the Chronicle.
But it’s hard to see how last season’s best wingback in League Two and a man with international aspirations share a place in the team.
DEFENCE LOOKS STRONG
Barnsley kept clean sheets on very few occasions last year – but they’ve only conceded a penalty so far in pre-season.
The defence on Saturday, which completely changed two thirds of the way into the game, was solid throughout.
They won almost everything in the air and were calm on the ball.
New signing Robbie Cundy looked safe while under pressure, Liam Kitching burst forward and had a few chances to take an effort on goal, and Mads Andersen was his usual self as he controlled the game from the back.
Callum Brittain was fantastic on the right, often breaking into the box to play in crosses – but his defensive work was excellent, too.
Ex-centre half Duff will likely make his mark on the Barnsley defenders and, if things continue, it’s hard to imagine a better back line in League One next year.
NEW BOY CONNELL STAR MAN
New signing Connell was the stand-out player on the pitch.
The 21-year-old had the fans on their feet and seemingly managed to win every 50/50 challenge he had.
The former Bolton and Celtic midfielder sat just in front of the back three and sprayed balls from left to right, rarely missing a pass.
Pre-season friendlies aren’t often known for their aggression, but Connell’s crunching, but clean, tackles often left Crewe defenders on the floor.
He could become a main stay in the Reds team if his performances continue and is certainly someone Barnsley fans should be keeping an eye on.
LINE-UP
Walton (Collins HT); Andersen (McCarthy 60), Cundy (Moon 60), Kitching (Sraha 60); Brittain (Helliwell 60mins), Thomas (Hondermarck 60), Kane (Wolfe HT), Connell (Ackroyd 60), Styles (Kalinauskas HT), Cole (Aitchison, 60), Leya Iseka (Soto 60).