THE only person alive who knows what it feels like to score a winner for Barnsley against Manchester United can be found working in a quarry throughout the week and turning out for Penistone Cricket Club 2nd XI on weekends.
Scott Jones netted his first two professional goals in a 3-2 win over Sir Alex Ferguson’s United in an FA Cup replay at Oakwell in February 1998.
The 49-year-old is hoping the Reds - now managed by his former Mansfield team-mate Darrell Clarke - can give their fans another memorable night at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup tonight.
Jones told the Chronicle: “It’s a plum draw. It does bring back fond memories. It’s an exciting draw.
“A cup tie under the lights spurs players on. You never know. I hope Barnsley just enjoy it and go for it.”
Jones’ side drew the first FA Cup game at Old Trafford after John Hendrie scored following a Peter Schmeichel error.
Hendrie opened the scoring in the replay then Jones made it 2-0 before, following a Teddy Sheringham strike, he scored another for 3-1. Andy Cole pulled one back but Barnsley beat a team containing David Beckham and the Neville brothers.
Jones, who came through the Reds youth system, said: “You have to pinch yourself. People still find it amazing now.
“It is certainly my career highlight other than getting promoted.
“I get asked on a weekly basis about the Man U game. I sometimes point out that I did play a few other games. But I don’t take it for granted and I don’t get bored talking about it.
“Growing up I didn’t think I would become a footballer so to score twice in a game like that was a dream scenario.
“A lot of people have long careers but don’t have a night like that.”
Both Jones’ goals were close-range finishes from set pieces.
“The first one was my first ever goal. I didn’t know how to celebrate. I didn’t have a clue what to do.
“The second one felt more natural.
“For the second goal, Neill Redfearn put a great corner in and I got a good run on Dennis Irwin, then managed to score with a header. It was a lovely goal.”
Jones had been part of the squad which gained a historic promotion to the top flight the previous year but was then loaned out to Mansfield Town at the start of the Reds’ only ever top flight season.
“I hadn’t signed a new contract because I wasn’t happy with what I had been offered after helping the club get promoted.
“I had a successful time at Mansfield and could have stayed but I decided to fight for my place in the Premier League. It was a good decision.”
During his time at Mansfield, Jones played alongside current Barnsley head coach Clarke who had just broken into the first team at his hometown club.
“Darrell was a young lad coming through and he was highly-rated. He was an energetic midfielder. Bobby Hassell was there too.
“Darrell’s obviously gone on to have a good career as a coach. He did really well at Bristol Rovers - another of my former clubs. Hopefully he can do well for Barnsley.”
Jones left Barnsley in 2000 and played for Bristol Rovers and York City before moving on from football. He is a supervisor at a quarry in Buxton but has continued to play sport, switching to club cricket for various teams - most recently Penistone.
“I play for the 2nd XI when I can. The club is having a decent season.
“You’ve got to do something. It gets me out the house and gets the blood running. I tried playing over45 football but I got injured too much.”
