Avon Calling - Barrowclough stars for Barnsley

Last updated : 01 November 2002 By Peter Heywood

Carl Barrowclough - back from injury after a year out
Barnsley maintained contact with the leaders with a 4-2 win against Oldham at Oakwell. In a lively first half Mike Sheron and Carl Barrowclough, playing his first game after twelve months out due to injury, had put the Reds in front. Oldham though fought back, and equalised with goals from Chris Killen and youth team striker Scott Vernon. But just before halftime Antony Kay popped up to give the home side a 3-2 lead at the interval. A fourth goal from Griff Jones gave Barnsley, our next opponents, their sixth win in their last seven reserve league and cup games.

It was quite a comeback for Barrowclough, the son of 70s Newcastle star Stuart, as he was involved in all four goals. When eventually substituted after a job well done, the 20 year-old winger was given a standing ovation by the Oakwell faithful.

Having forsaken the "bowling green-esque surface they are used to at Deepdale" for the less-manicured surface of the Giant Axe stadium, Lancaster, Preston were duly rewarded with a goalless draw with Walsall. Both clubs fielded experienced teams in a game that was described as "hardfought" and "competitive" (ie boring). Chances were at a premium with Preston’s best efforts coming from Matthew O’Neill’s brother Joe. Walsall, the league’s top scorers, could be forgiven for not having their minds entirely on the game, as earlier in the day they had been told the fantastic news that top popster Pete Waterman had been chosen to open the new, wonderfully-named Purple Stand at their Bescot home.

Next week it’s Avon Insurance League Cup time again, thus ensuring that yet again our reserves will remain inactive. Heigh-ho.

Leading league scorers:

6 Gareth Seddon (Bury)
5 Paul Macari (Huddersfield)
4 Laurens Ten Heuvel (Sheffield United)
4 Stuart Barlow (Tranmere)
4 David Zdrilic (Walsall)
4 Moreira Herivelto (Walsall)

Top reported attendances:

720 Walsall v Wolves 21.08.02
594 Huddersfield v Preston 28.08.02
496 Burnley v Huddersfield 21.08.02
402 Burnley v Sheffield United 4.09.02
368 Preston v Wolves 23.10.02

League Table

Burnley's Fixtures and Results