Analysis of Barnsley's 3-0 win at Accrington Stanley on Saturday, thanks to goals by Adam Phillips, Aiden Marsh and Josh Earl.
ANOTHER SOLID WIN AND PERFORMANCE
All that matters is how they perform come August 9, and fans are understandably concerned about the lack of signings, but Barnsley have had an encouraging pre-season on the pitch overall so far.
Although pre-season games come with large caveats, the Reds have won comfortably in their two Saturday friendlies so far.
They have controlled those games, played some decent football at times and looked much better from set plays.
This was a pretty boring match but another good run-out ahead of an important training camp in Loughborough for team bonding and fitness.
Although Darrell Clarke felt his team could have defended better, League Two Accrington barely had a chance and the Reds could have doubled their goal tally.
TRANSFER NEEDS BECOME CLEARER
Watching the first two friendlies, and speaking to people around the club, a slightly clearer picture of the squad and plan for the window is beginning to emerge.
The Reds believe Sam Cosgrove and Max Watters could be an effective partnership up front, although they are still looking for another striker.
Defenders Jack Shepherd and Kacper Lopata, who were not in the squad, may now be loaned out.
The future of Jon Russell - also not involved - is unclear as the Reds look set to bring in another defensive midfielder, as well as, at some point, at least one left wing-back.
Darrell Clarke, although mainly using 3-5-2, would like the option of changing to 4-4-2 at times - which means they could look for at least one winger. When they changed to 4-4-2, they played right wing-back Kyran Lofthouse on the left wing and striker Fabio Jalo on the right.
The recruitment process has been slow so far but the Reds remain confident they will make some key signings in the near future.
BENSON IMPRESSES BUT LIMPS OFF
Josh Benson was playing well for 37 minutes.
Operating on the left of a midfield three, he won the ball regularly and was lively when on it. He put Cosgrove through on goal but the striker took a heavy touch then Benson charged from the halfway line to the edge of the box but shot wide.
He looked like he could challenge for gametime this season, even in such a crowded position with Luca Connell, Adam Phillips and Conor Hourihane.
But then he suddenly was walking down the touchline next to a physio with possibly a slight limp.
Benson - having shown some glimpses of real talent with the Reds - has experienced, literally, injury after injury in recent seasons and has started just three league games in almost two years.
It was feared that this was another one but he re-emerged to sit in the stands in the second half and Clarke said he hoped it was just tightness.
He is due to be assessed this week and hopefully it is good news for a player who deserves some luck.
HOURIHANE SHOWS SET PIECE CLASS
This match was a testimonial for Accrington stalwart Sean McConville but, from a Barnsley point of view, the milestone was Hourihane playing for the Reds again.
The Irish midfielder played a holding role in midfield and did not have a huge attacking impact in general play, but his set pieces were very threatening.
Barry Cotter blazed over from one at 0-0 then a series of dangerous corners eventually led to Adam Phillips heading home a left-sided set piece just before half-time.
Much has been made, mainly by Hourihane himself, of his advancing years and that he wants to focus on coaching, but his Premier League quality set pieces, plus all his experience, add so much to the young team.
They do also have the left foot of Luca Connell - who missed this match due to the birth of his daughter but set up a goal at Alfreton a week before from a corner - and the right of Corey O’Keeffe who assisted the third goal here from a corner and created other chances.
They also have the aerial threats of Phillips, Josh Earl - who made it two goals in two friendlies - Marc Roberts, Sam Cosgrove, Mael de Gevigney and Donovan Pines who is close to returning to match action. It was a weak area last season but could be a strength this time.
Watching Hourihane and Roberts pass to each other was certainly a throwback to almost a decade ago, but the pair add knowhow and a buy-in from most fans.
YOUNGSTERS SHINE OFF BENCH AGAIN
For the second Saturday in a row, some of Barnsley’s academy products came off the bench and impressed.
The second goal arrived after 25 dull minutes of the second half and saw Aiden Marsh slide in to convert a cross by 18-year-old Jonathan Bland a few yards out.
Vimal Yoganathan came on for Benson before half-time and did not look out of place, although he did put two good chances over the bar after scrambles from corners.
How much these players feature once everyone is fit and new signings have arrived remains to be seen but they are making the most of their pre-season opportunities.
Trialist striker Mipo Odubeko also came off the bench and impressed with his movement and powerful running, although he did put a header wide from a few yards out with the goal gaping.
