Barnsley Report Card

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 03/09/2001

DR FISHY has compiled match statistics and a report card for the Grimsby Town side that beat Barnsley 1-0 on Saturday afternoon in the Division One fixture.

Coyne: Another good performance from the Welshman, who made a very good parry from a Bruce Dyer shot early in the match at 0-0, also made a great tip-over save from Sheron. Struggled a bit at corners and was quite reluctant to come and collect the ball, but overall he did keep a clean sheet.

Grade: B-

McDermott: The shaven-headed full-back provided good assistance for Pouton and made a great clearance off the line in the first half. Wasn't involved so much in the match but anyhow it was a solid performance, a vital and reliable member in defence.

Grade: B-

Gallimore: There were a few groans around the ground early on when Gally made two terrible passes to the opposition, but did improve a lot afterwards. Whether or not Lennie has requested Gally to go forward more often, but this season he does look a more useful full-back and towards the end of the match he was spreading play across the park with some accurate long-range passing (then again, he was marking Donovan).

Grade: B-

Groves: After the disastrous bank holiday defeat at Fratton Park, there was plenty of scope for improvement - and there was a great deal of improvement shown. The defending might not have been tidy and controlled, but Groves commanded from the back and put in a dogged performance.

Grade B

Beharall: Another improved performance from the loanee, he made some great interceptions and has shown the crowd already this season he is a good reader of the game. Some good timely interceptions and one flying header to clear the danger in the second half, one can only wonder what the manager will do after his loan spell runs out.

Grade: B

Butterfield: The youngster has shown some good form early this season, but was mostly invisible for the best part of the game. He was shrugged off the ball too many times although saying that he did get back and help defend at desperate times.

Grade C-

Willems: The Dutchman is slowly improving after a very slow start to the season. He made a couple of crunching challenges during the game - although his shooting could be improved. Also showed he could carry the ball out of defence well. Someone should tell him not to shoot at the scoreboard because it breaks easily.

Grade: C+

Campbell: Another one of those 'invisible' performances from the £200,000 summer signing. So effective last season, he didn't really do anything of note against Barnsley. Held the ball up well, passed it well but wasn't really in the game.

Grade: C-

Pouton: Still no signs of the left foot we're all desperately wanting to see him use, but nevertheless he nut-megged one unfortunate Tyke and did his usual trick of scaring his marker (or anyone close to him for that matter). He showed one good bit of trickery in the second half and of course, got their keeper sent off with one of the most laughable dives I think I've ever seen.

Grade: C+
Grade for diving: E-

Jevons: Simple one this: effective when playing with Rowan, not interested when playing with Jeffrey. Saying that he did have one good opportunity to score when playing alongside Jeffrey - put through by Pouton I believe, his squared pass was just intercepted in time by a Tyke. Also had a shot very well saved from Miller in front of the away support. Of course he scored the goal that won the game as well.

Grade: B-

Rowan: The youngster is showing some real promising signs with yet another energetic performance. Still, the physical side of his game can improve, but showed good balance, vision and tenacity to create the goal and once more he ran his socks off.

Grade: B-

SUBS:

Burnett: For some unknown reason the introduction of Burnett seems to have a calming effect on the team. The players look more at ease, they're able to keep possession for longer, and every move forward goes through Burnett. He certainly has an influence on the team, but should have scored when one-on-one with their keeper.

Grade: C+

Jeffrey: Didn't do too bad once brought on. My eyes may have deceived me but he did show a few neat touches and signs that he might actually have been a good player once. A bit harsh, I apologise but it really was a decent performance as sub.

Grade: Would love to give him a grade but he just wasn't on the pitch long enough.

Best part of Town's game: It would have to be the defending. It wasn't pretty and we may have had to rely on Coyne once more, but at least it was better than it was last Monday.

Areas for improvement: How some members of the team seem to be invisible, perhaps otherwise known as the "Butterfield Phenomena". I can only think it can be explained by the way Groves hoofs the ball forward from defence every time by-passing the midfield - despite having time and space.

Entertainment scale: It kept you on the edge of your seat, sort of. Beginning of the second half was dull. 5.

Add To Facebook

This site is by the fans, for the fans, and we will consider articles on any subject relating to the Mariners whether it be related to current news, a nostalgic look back in the past, a story about a player, a game or games in the past, something about Blundell Park or football in general. Click here to submit your article!

Related Stories

• "Look Ma, top of the world!" - Barnsley Report
• Preston Report Card
• Lincoln Report Card
• More Stories