Barnsley Reserves 1 Town Reserves 4

Last updated : 05 January 2004 By Site Staff
Despite the awful showing at Wycombe, only Darren Mansaram (who came on as a sub at Adams Park) featured in the reserves squad.

Unused subs at the weekend, Iain Anderson and Paul Groves were also in the starting line-up.

Ash Hildred returned in midfield with Chris Bolder dropping to the bench. Youngster Chris Hyam's got another chance to impress at right-back with Iain Ward and Wes Parker injured.

Jonny Rowan started his comeback from injury, starting up front with Mansaram. Rowan is in the final few months of his contract and has already admitted himself he needs to do something special to earn a new deal

The Tykes had the better of the play in the first half and two smart stops from Bradley Hughes prevented Darren Jack from giving his new club the lead.

Hughes was helpless for the goal that did come though. Former Arsenal product Isaiah Rankin firing home with ease just before half-time.

Town came out a different side in the second half, led by the creative Graham Hockless in midfield they ran riot.

After Ashley Scothern hit the bar, had a header saved and fired wide, all in five minutes - Town brought the game level on 67 minutes.

Mansaram turned his marker in the box before firing a low drive past Danny Alcock from close range.

Two minutes later Town took the lead. Hockless skipped inside his man on the wing before crossing to the unmarked Rowan who headed home.

On 74 minutes the Mariners made sure of the victory. Again Hockless beat his man before crossing. This time it was player-boss Paul Groves poking the ball home. Lets hope Hockless ability to create chances was not unnoticed by Groves.

After Scothern wasted another glorious chance for the hosts, Mansaram made it four with a neat finish after Hildred's clever through ball.

Barnsley: Alcock, Harban, Williams, Handyside (Atkinson 72), Oldham, Warhurst (Tonge 66), Lumsdon, Baker, Jones, Rankin, Jack (Scothern 54).
Subs: Wroe, Flinders.

Town: Hughes, Hyams, Young, Groves, Wheeler, Ford, Hockless, Hildred, Rowan (Bolder 77), Mansaram, Anderson.
Subs: Heggarty, Howard.