Analysis of Barnsley's 1-0 win at near neighbours Rotherham United thanks to an Adam Phillips penalty.

5,000TH LEAGUE GAME POSITIVE AFTERNOON FOR REDS

THIS was Barnsley’s 5,000th league game and, while it was one of the more forgettable contests and far from a vintage performance, it was a significant victory for an under-pressure side.

Whatever you think of their remaining chances of promotion - the gap to sixth went down to seven points - the Reds simply needed to end a run of one point in six games which led to serious criticism of Darrell Clarke, his squad and those above them.

Clarke had called his players soft and failing and said that they often go hiding, with the Reds responding well with a resilient and character-filled display in

a strange game. The visitors created very little in open play but should have had three penalties all due to errors by the struggling hosts, who probably had just about the better chances overall.

But the result was all that mattered and the delighted away end clapped their team off at the final whistle.

It was a ninth away win of the season - after three straight losses on the road in 2025 - and no side in the division had won more on the road.

ONE-SIDED DERBY RECORD EXTENDED

The Reds have won the last six meetings with Rotherham – only conceding one behind-closed doors goal in those games since November 2005.

Since 1982, the Reds have won nine and drawn three of the 12 meetings.

Steve Evans' Rotherham had only taken a point from their last four league games and, for the second time this season, looked a poor side against the Reds who moved eight points clear of them.

The Millers had the one big chance of the game from open play but failed to put late pressure on their off-form visitors who had a debutant goalkeeper, despite there being ten minutes of injury-time.

FOUR PENALTY SHOUTS, ONE GIVEN

Ollie Yates had given Barnsley two penalties in their four previous games he had refereed. The Staffordshire official awarded them another in this game but it could easily have been three.

Barnsley were denied what looked a clear penalty in the fourth minute when Reece James, after making a mess of a clearance, pulled down Adam Phillips. That could also have been a red card as there was no genuine attempt to play the ball.

James was eventually punished for an error early in the second half as his poor back header was intercepted by Davis Keillor-Dunn who was fouled by Dillion Phillips and the goalkeeper was beaten by namesake Adam Phillips from the spot.

It was a big moment as Rotherham had started the second half well on top and this goal came against the run of play, after which Rotherham never really threatened.

Soon after the hour-mark, defender Zak Jules - who played under Clarke for Walsall - blatantly handled in his box but no penalty was given.

Rotherham also felt they should have had a penalty just before the break when Corey O’Keeffe wrestled with Sam Nombe in the box. That was seconds before Mallik Wilks’ deflected cross was somehow turned wide a few yards out by Jordan Hugill - the one big open play chance.

PHILLIPS KEEPS COOL FROM THE SPOT

In the midst of the penalty drama, the one that was given was clinically dispatched by Phillips.

It was his ninth goal of the season in all competitions including four penalties from four.

Phillips - who welcomed a baby daughter into his family that week - returned to the side as did Luca Connell following injury, both playing their part in the win along with fellow midfielder Jon Russell.

Kelechi Nwakali dropped out of the 11 - having had an injury in the build-up - as did striker Clement Rodrigues with Barnsley returning to 3-5-2. Keillor-Dunn now has one goal in seven and Stephen Humphrys none in 16, but they both put in tireless shifts.

RARE CLEAN SHEET ON ROBERTS COMEBACK

A third of Barnsley’s six clean sheets this season have been against Rotherham.

A big part of the reason for that was the return of Marc Roberts from a three-game ban.

The experienced defender replaced the injured Donovan Pines and seemed to tighten up the defence in general while delivering a fine individual display.

It was the first win Roberts had started in since the reverse fixture while the Reds had lost his previous five starts. But he showed his value as a player and leader.

Both Roberts and Josh Earl made more than ten clearances each as, along with Mael de Gevigney, they formed an impenetrable back three. There were solid performances throughout the team.

Goalkeeper Joe Gauci came off with a hip injury in the second half and was replaced by Jackson Smith who made his debut and was barely tested.