Reds at Ashton Gate: Last Time Out

The last time Barnsley visited Ashton Gate it ended in a 5-3 defeat. But Mark Robins was less than thrilled with his defence in the 8 goal thriller, as this Vital Barnsley article from the day after the game shows:

Barnsley manager Mark Robins has spoken about last night's defeat at Ashton Gate to Bristol City, calling it a game that was 'too open'.

After the Reds lost 5-3, Robins told the club's official site: 'The game was very open, too open really and they got a second goal at the right time for them. It was a bad time for us.'

I must profess, there is never a good time to concede a goal so from our point of view it was obviously a bad time but Robins observation is right on the money from Bristol City's perspective. Had we gone in 2-1 up a the break, it might have been a different story. We might have been able to shut up shop a little but as it happened we had to come out after half-time back on level terms again and it swung the momentum back in City's favour.

'They had more impetus in the second half and it was difficult for us.' Robins continued. Bristol City definitely came out after the break and took the initiative, forging a two goal lead 18 minutes after the restart and Barnsley never recovered. They did however manage the last say in the game with a consolation goal from Andy Gray but the points were all but wrapped up for Bristol City.

'To score three goals away from home and not get anything does leave you scratching your head a little.' said Robins, who takes the Reds into what could have been a massive South Yorkshire derby on Saturday at home to Doncaster Rovers, a team who also had faint hopes of reaching the Play-Offs all but extinguished with a defeat last night.

Another 8 goal thriller tomorrow would make tremendous viewing, particularly if we could tip the balance and come away with 3 points. But that would of course mean that we'd have to start putting the ball in the back of the net ourselves...

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