Barnsley v Swansea: Championship play-off, first leg – live!
17-May-2021 19:37:44 | The Guardian
22 mins: Swansea have successfully quietened down the home fans. They find their voice again as Dike is done for another foul. The referee has a word with the striker, much to the chagrin of the supporters.
20 mins: Cullen is the latest player to want a free-kick, as Andersen takes him down just outside the area but the referee waves it away. Swansea have not offered much in the final third, they need a bit more from Lowe, Cullen and Ayew going forward.
18 mins: Dike is done for a foul on Cabango now, although it looks like the defender tripped himself up. I think they want Dike in the book to limit his physical threat.
16 mins: A long pass is sent over the top of the Swansea defence for Woodrow to chase but it has a little too much on it, allowing Woodman to come and claim.
14 mins: Cabango v Dike looks like it will be very good fun. Both players are up for a physical tussle and neither has any interest in backing down. The Barnsley fans sound irked after Dike is guilty of fouling Guehi.
12 mins: What is the official colour of this Swansea away kit? I think i might want to buy it. Light turquoise with magenta trim? Elis James, if you’re reading, can you tell us, please.
10 mins: Every time the ball is sent down the pitch for Dike to chase he gives the centre-backs a very tough time. Guehi and Cabango will need to be alert at all times.
8 mins: Ayew is yet to get into the game; you have to think if Swansea are going to get a goal today then he is going to be crucial. He has been on the periphery thus far out on the right wing.
6 mins: Real crowd noise is certainly better than fake crowd noise. Palmer collects a loose ball on the edge of the box before getting a shot away but he is leaning back and he sends his effort high and wide.
4 mins: Hourihane pings in a cross but Barnsley head as far as Fulton whose noggin’ can only loop the ball into Woodman’s hands.
2 mins: Barnsley, spurred on by their support, have started at a decent tempo. Swansea should enjoy trying to quieten the fans.
Peep! Peep! Peep! Here we go!
It is lovely and sunny in Barnsley. I cannot say the same about London.
Actual fans at the football. It really is great to see.
I have just realised that I went to Barnsley v Swansea in 2011. It is my only visit to Oakwell and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. I got back to my car and the stewards had made me park in such a way that I blocked in an elderly couple. I am an awful man.
SOCCER!
USA USA USA!!! pic.twitter.com/UGtIym9f1a
Mary Waltz says: “Barnsley is an absolute long shot but they have a wild card up their sleeve - Dike. Raw, no experience but a beast who can occasionally simply overwhelm an opponent physically.”
Ben Fisher explains why Barnsley are surprisingly good.
Related: Unsung Barnsley nurture unlikely Premier League dream
Barnsley: Collins, Brittain, Sibbick, Helik, Andersen, Styles, Mowatt, Palmer, Dike, Frieser, Woodrow
Subs: Walton, J. Williams, Sollbauer, Halme, Kitching, Moon, Morris, Chapin, Adeboyejo
Good evening!
Despite the fact these two teams finished fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Championship, few will think either will be promoted to the Premier League. Bournemouth and Brentford are the more fancied sides going into the playoffs. Jonathan Woodgate’s men have the top-flight experience and quality, while Thomas Franks’ Bees were the third best over 46 games, so will be optimistic they can take that level of form all the way to Wembley. And they have Ivan Toney in their ranks.
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