Rotherham United Vs Barnsley Last Time Out

You could not find two games involving the same teams in League One in the 2005/2006 season that were so far apart in terms of action, than those involving the Tykes and the Millers.

October's offering at Millmoor was a blustery one-nil win to Barnsley, courtesy of a Martin Devaney tap in which came in the 74th minute at the visitors end thanks to a defensive error from Gregor Robertson and the Millers' keeper.

However, less than a month later, it was all happening at Oakwell in front of almost twice as many fans.

Shaun Barker had given the Millers a half time lead from a Paul McLaren free kick, but what followed defied belief in the Millers' fans eyes. It was indeed their own 'Gary Willard' episode. Deon Burton, already on a yellow card, was given his marching orders by referee Trevor Kettle after being adjudged to have dived ten minutes after the restart.

Things got worse for the Millers on 85 minutes when midfielder Lee Williamsson was shown a second yellow for protesting a decision that had gone against him.

Mick Harford was then sent to the stands to watch the last few minutes of the game. He probably took his seat just as on loan Chelsea defender Steven Watt popped up on the line at the Ponty end to nod in an equaliser in the fifth minute of injury time albeit the Millers' players protested that it didn't even cross the line.

Despite the final whistle having been blown, Trevor Kettle still found time to dismiss the Millers' captain Colin Murdock before he entered the tunnel for protesting the official's prior decisions.

Barnsley fans certainly looked upon this game as a point gained, whereas the Rotherham faithful will probably blame the referee for the farce that ensued.

Barnsley: Colgan, Hassell, Watt, Reid, Austin (Jarman 70), Shuker, Burns (Tonge 81), McPhail, Devaney, Hayes, Richards.
Subs Not Used: Flinders, Carbon, Williams.


It is only a friendly but if it is to be as exciting as the last competitive fixture involving these two sides, then Saturday's match at the Don Valley Stadium has much to live up to.

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