By Alan Houghton

FRESH from the delights of the Bradshaw Cricket Club beer festival, we assembled in the Fanzone before the match to chew the fat and see if Barnsley were for the chop.

The debate on who we would like to see at the Reebok next season and who to let go, enlivened our pre-match talks. Rumours abounded of pre-transfer deals allegedly done.

As usual Dougie didn't disappoint when he made wholesale changes to the team. Now that we are as good as safe, the remaining matches are an ideal chance to have a look at other players to help with the big decisions he has to make for next season.

Before the match, there was a minute's silence for our fellow fans who died at Hillsborough. The fans joined in singing ' You'll never walk alone'. I can remember a time when we used to sing that song before it became Liverpool's anthem.

As expected Barnsley were certainly up for the match and they started the better team. We took time to settle and without the Duke up front, we had nobody to aim for.

Jennings missed a glorious chance for Barnsley while Hall and Moritz got in each other's way with our best chance. Just before half time, Beckford put us one up in slow motion as he beat the offside trap from a brilliant pass from Mills.

The second half continued with Barnsley creating and missing the best chances.

Once again we had Bogdan to thank for outwitting O'Grady after Baptiste, who'd had an otherwise good game, gave away another penalty.

It was a below par performance with not many positive answers from the changes Dougie made. Barnsley deserved something from this game.

Well done to Mason for his second loan spell. He's welcome back anytime, especially if he brings the Duke with him.