Rams held to stalemate by Tykes

Derby County 0 Barnsley 0 

With a long list of players on the treatment table it was always going to be a lacklustre afternoon for the Rams.  

Fielding an unchanged side Clough’s boys managed to impress little during the first half, failing to get a single shot on target.  Barnsley faired little better; however the Tykes did come close through Michael Mifsud; who when through one on one with Bywater was unable to guide the ball past the Derby shot stopper. 

The second half was a slightly brighter affair, with Barry Bannan coming on to replace the frankly disappointing Barazite. 

Derby’s best chance came through John Eustace, who after over 60 minutes of play forced Barnsley keeper Muller into his first proper save of the match.  

Gary Teale came close for the Rams as well, with a well struck shot from the edge of the area; however it proved to be an easy save for Muller, summing up Derby’s afternoon. 

Barnsley too had their chances.  In one ‘heart in mouths’ moment for all Derby fans, Tyke substitute Mounir el Haimour swung a cross/shot/miss kick (delete as appropriate) into the box from the far left, thinking it was harmless enough Bywater left it only to watch helplessly as the ball struck the inside of post and away past the ready to pounce Jon Macken. 

Bywater was able to redeem himself with a wonderful save deflecting Macken’s shot wide from close range. 

Overall the Rams found themselves outplayed by Barnsely; however they can take heart from a rare clean sheet and hopefully return from the international break rejuvenated for the busy run in to the end of the season.