Quote Originally Posted by pv4 View Post
from a Westlakes perspective..
Westlakes proved near impossible for Barnsley to break down. both goals were from ridiculous self inflicted cockups and weren't with the run of the play.
Barnsley have picked up a few decent players since their zl2 days. good pickup with the striker but he needs more support, and realistically he's not even a striker & is better suited to midfield.
yesterday was ridiculous in terms of on field challenges. on a proper season game where cards were actually handed out, Barnsley would have defender completely differently as more than half their team would have gotten their first yellows before half time. Westlakes were overpowered physically when going forward but I stand by the fact that in a real game the Barnsley defense would have had to calm themselves down or their 2nd, 3rd & 4th yellows would have come.
the game ended on a sour note - Westlakes were getting sick of the persistent bad fouls not getting called by the ref, plus the ref swearing AT Westlakes players, so started to give the rash challenges back. one rash challenge that was no worse than a couple of Barnsley challenges, after which the Westlakes player immediately put his hands up and tried to say sorry, saw two Barnsley players take to him looking for a fight & the ref just called the game off with 10 to play.
but after all that said - Westlakes were happy with the hitout, thought they held their own, and are still wondering how Olympic firsts got beaten by Barnsley reserves ()
Westlakes were without 4 starting first graders (plus our keeper was our third string who is actually our all age striker, and after his efforts I'm sure he'll be happy to play striker again!), I'm not sure the numbers Barnsley were playing with.

good last trial game though, keen for the season to start
Interesting version of events. Obviously a west lakes fan or player. From a neutral point of view, I thought both teams were as bad as each other.
Barnsley did commit more fouls but thats the way they play, they are a tough team. That last challenge by the west lakes player to end the game was pretty disgraceful though, to say he said sorry straight away wouldn't have helped the bloke who's leg he tried to break. He was over 1m away from the ball.
Also Barnsley had some notable absences from that team. Neither of their strikers were playing, Well i assume they are playing with the club again?
West lakes will go very well in league 2. I can't see many teams taking points if them, unless it was a case of playing to the level of the opposition? Lets hope not!