I was at the Barnsley vs Peterboro game yesterday as staying with daughter and grandchildren in Yorkshire over Christmas. Technically, Barnsley were very patchy and apart from one or two sweeping moves in the second half didn't manage to put together many classy moves. Yet they were well on top throughout the game. That was largely down to their team spirit, energetic pressing and unstinting support from the crowd. Every substitution involved the whole crowd cheering and applauding the players coming off AND those coming on. The community focus was really good from lots of local news, fans messages, and a team mascot who was skilled in focusing on the needs of young supporters (autographs, photos, high fives and involvement in penalty competitions at half time). I would say they have a handful of promising young players, but probably fewer than the Sky Blues. The difference was the team spirit and the willingness to support each other all over the field. Whether this comes from the wholehearted support of the crowd or the team spirit is a factor in securing this support I don't know. But I'd be surprised if we finish above them in the table. It underlined the need for supporters to take a pride in their young players and protect their confidence levels by getting right behind them. Besides, I enjoyed their community singing targeted on Steve Evans when he came on the pitch at the end of the game.
