Sub Elding gives Reds that sinking feeling

Pre match concerns that Mark Robins might make wholesale changes for the game against Rochdale were pretty much unfounded. In the end there were just three changes from the QPR fixture, with Kieran Trippier, Jacob Butterfield and Liam Dickinson coming into the side, with Bobby Hassell, Martin Devaney and Andy Gray dropping down to the bench.

A disappointing crowd of just over 4,000 saw the Tykes have plenty of possessiont throughout the game, play some neat football and create a number of good chances.

It was galling then with Barnsley dominating the game that they gifted Rochdale a goal to substitute Anthony Elding, after a mistake by Luke Steele early in the second half.

Despite a change in formation with Devaney and Iain Hume coming on second half, Barnsley couldn’t grab an equaliser. The reality was that for all their possession a goal never really looked like coming.

So no League Cup adventure this season. Good luck to Rochdale in the next round.

So two games played, two losses, five goals conceded and none scored. The lack of goals is a worry and the loss of Daniel Bogdanovic to Sheffield United looks even more significant with each missed chance.

On the positive side, the team is creating opportunities, but another game without goals this weekend and the players, manager and fans will start to get very twitchy.

Crystal Palace with two wins over Leicester City on the opening day and at Yeovil last night in the League Cup are next up at Oakwell and that is by no means an easy looking fixture.

Disclaimer: The views in this article are that of the writer and may not replicate those of the Professional Footballers' Association.