Barnsley VS Swansea City – Match Report

8:15pm GMT Kick Off, Oakwell Stadium, Championship Playoff Semi Final First Leg

Andre Ayew’s goal in the first half gives the Welsh side the advantage in their playoff Semi Final clash.

The opening of the game saw both teams try to set their own tempo in the game. Both sides looked to control the ball, but faced a great amount of pressure from the opposition.

However, neither team really had a great chance of getting an early goal.

Much of the early battles of this game were between Daryl Dike and the two Swansea center backs, Marc Guehi and Ben Cabango. With the center backs coming out on top early on.

The first chance of the game, resulted in a goal for Swansea. Andre Ayew made a run off the defender, dropped his shoulder to move onto his left foot, and his effort curled into the bottom corner, giving Barnsley keeper, Bradley Collins no chance.

Barnsley tried to hit back quickly, when Callum Styles tried to pick out Dike in the box, but Guehi is there once again to clear the danger.

Barnsley increased their attacking threat after Ayew’s opener. Romal Palmer floated a ball to the back stick, which Michal Helik headed goal bound. The effort lacked power, which Freddie Woodman claimed easily.

Callum Brittain should have drew the game level at the beginning of the second half, as a rebound fell to him. His shot forced Woodman into action, as he made fantastic reflex save.

Minutes later, Alex Mowatt goes close to pulling The Tykes level with an effort from range. His effort was deflected behind for a corner.

Barnsley began the second half extremely well, with great intensity. Barnsley had another chance from a Cauley Woodrow free kick. Woodman was able to deny them once again.

Barnsley had the majority of chances in the second half. Dike broke away from a corner, and tried to slot it into one of his team mates. The pass was able to get past the defender, but has too much on for his team mates.

Swansea found little chances but Jamal Lowe went close, Lowe was able to beat his man on the left wing, and attempted a similar shot to Ayew’s goal. His effort couldn’t stay down and went over the crossbar.

As time ticked on, Barnsley pushed for a leveler. The last chance came from a corner, which was flicked on by Carlton Morris, which bounced off the top of the bar.

This result means that Swansea are currently heading to the Playoff final. The game at the Liberty Stadium still has a lot riding on it with the affair still in the balance.

Barnsley controlled much of the second half, but just couldn’t break past the Swansea defense or goalkeeper. They will need to see that from the start on Saturday.

As for Swansea, they head into the game with the all important lead. It will be interesting to see if Steve Cooper tries to hold on to the one goal, or if he will push for more in the second leg.

Man Of The Match: Freddie Woodman

Woodman didn’t have a lot to do in the first half, but was called into action multiple times in the second half.

The 24-year-old made four saves, and made an extremely impressive save to deny Brittain early in the second half.

“Stand” by Yercombe is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0