Analysis of Barnsley's 3-1 win at Alfreton in their first friendly of the summer. They came from behind thanks to goals by Josh Earl, Max Watters and Josiah Dyer.
‘RUSTY’ REDS GET MINUTES IN LEGS
The Darrell Clarke era began with a 3-1 success at Alfreton Town on Saturday.
Clarke admitted the Reds were ‘rusty’ as you would expect in the first game back.
After falling behind, it turned into a routine afternoon.
The Reds were caught out regularly in the first half when the sixth-tier hosts played passes through and over their defence.
In attack, although they had plenty of the ball, they didn’t often show the difference in quality who would expect from a professional team three divisions above their opponents.
But, although it is a cliche, friendlies are just about building up fitness while getting to know each other as a squad and staff.
There were some decent moments. Mael de Gevigney sprinted up the pitch with the ball, Josh Earl looked a set piece threat, captain Luca Connell and Jon Russell had classy moments in midfield while the wing-backs were lively.
Clarke was noisy on the touchline, especially early on, constantly talking to his players then furious with the officials after his team were denied what looked a clear penalty.
GAPS IN SQUAD EVEN MORE GLARING
Barnsley’s starting line-up looked generally strong on paper but, as has been obvious all transfer window, there were a few clear areas that need strengthening.
With no senior left wing-backs available, right-footed Corey O’Keeffe played there in a role similar to the one ex-Red Kieran Trippier has been doing for England at the Euros.
O’Keeffe played well and was involved in some good moves as was Barry Cotter on the right.
But clearly they need to bring in at least one left-sided player as soon as possible.
The strikers were Max Watters and Sam Cosgrove who were mainly the back-ups last season, and the only experienced forwards among many youth team products.
Those two positions, and another midfielder, are where Barnsley are looking to strengthen.
GOOD START FOR WATTERS
The Reds spent a good amount of money on Max Watters last summer, both in transfer fee and wages, which they would be unlikely to recoup much of if he were to leave this summer in what would probably have to be a loan as clubs are unlikely to match his salary.
There is also a belief throughout the club that he has the potential to be a good striker for the Reds if he can find some confidence and rhythm.
Clarke has been tasked with getting more out of players who are yet to perform well for the club and Watters is surely one - having barely played since January due to a lack of form.
The Reds are likely to bring at least another striker but, with most forward deals likely to be done later in the window, there is a chance for Watters to impress over the next few weeks.
He smashed in Barnsley’s second goal from close range early in the second half, after a fine run down the right by Cotter, having seen a one-on-one chance saved minutes earlier.
Pre-season can be misleading and we should not look for too many clues from friendlies - Oli Shaw netted in the equivalent game at Worksop a year earlier.
But it is something to build on for Watters and, if he keeps playing and scoring regularly in pre-season, he will have a chance for what had seemed like an unlikely redemption story.
SMITH BUSY ON DEBUT IN GOAL
Goalkeeper Jackson Smith made his debut, days after his signing was confirmed.
He seemed to hesitate when he could have come for the cross for the opener - which we can probably put down to rust in the first game - then made some good stops to prevent Alfreton netting a second before the break.
It is thought that Barnsley might still sign another goalkeeper this window but, if Smith impresses in the coming weeks, he will be given the number one spot - which the club are confident he will take eventually anyway.
That is a lot of pressure to put on a young goalkeeper but he seems ready for the challenge, having been given what he sees as a huge opportunity.
As well as his saves, Smith looked confident with the ball at his feet - something which the Reds hope he can bring the team this season.
YOUNGSTERS IMPRESS OFF BENCH
After an hour, 11 substitutions were made with nine youngsters and two trialists coming on.
They performed well, limiting the hosts to a few chances, playing some decent football and scoring a fine goal.
Impressive trialist Connor Barratt - who has previously been at Sheffield United - surged forward from the right side of the back three and played in Josiah Dyer who beat the goalkeeper one-on-one.
The other trialist was Milan Mbeng who played in central midfield.
Those youngsters, who all did well, played because the other first teamers had appeared for the under 21s at Derby in midweek. That team included Ben Killip, Conor McCarthy, Kacper Lopata, Jack Shepherd, Josh Benson, Fabio Jalo and Aiden Marsh.
