Tyke Cast

Barnsley U23 v Ipswich U23

An early finish to a meeting in Sheffield gave the opportunity for a bit of Professional Development League action.  So it was the train up to Barnsley, with a walk to the ground that could be described as 'traditional'.

Despite most of the ground having been rebuilt, it still retains one of the shittest/best first impressions imaginable.

Despite what the marketing men think, this is still the corporate image of a lot of football.  Fading 1950s painted signage and kit manufacturers from the 1990s.

Shaw Lane Aquaforce's stars of the future.

I was last here with Reading in 1995, after we'd just been promoted to the old money division 2.  They were halfway through building the new main stand, behind each goals were terraces.  This was the new order.  The remaining side had not been rebuilt, with an ancient wooden stand at the far, and open seating infront.  Needless to say, despite it pissing it down with rain, we were herded into the only uncovered part of the ground.

The only recognisable name was Jason Dozel junior.

Barnsley were by far the better side, and took an early lead, and added another couple, before Ipswich got a consolation right at the end, the game finishing 3-1.