That Championship Mule struck on-time as Barnsley claimed their first double over Cardiff City in 51 years as the Bluebirds' play-off hopes suffered at Cardiff City Stadium.
Barnsley Boss Mark Robins:
"I always knew we were capable of winning matches, although we have been on a poor run lately.
"I am pleased for the players and for the travelling support as we have taken them to the depths the last two away games.
"We knew we would have to defend as Cardiff have players who can score all over the field.
"Daniel Bogdanovic was excellent today and when he wants to compete he is a very intelligent player and it will be brilliant for the club if he continues like that."
I thought it was about time I crawled out from underneath my stone to bear witness to my musings of 11 days ago. My goodness, how wrong I got it all, but surely nobody would have expected such a Davey-esque run on the fixtures we had, would they?
An away win at Middlesborough may have been slightly cocky, but rational based on form and other factors at the Riverside. But the Championship Mule really booted our chops at Oakwell last Saturday with the most dismal display I can remember for some time.
I'm told that a win at Scunny was probably the most likely outcome for the Reds on play, but our lack of finishing prowess was again frustrating and ultimately led to our demise in stoppage time.
What's the answer? I don't know, but lead that Mule with a Carrot or two all the way to Cardiff and let's see if it fancies giving someone else "the booit" instead.
In anticipation, am I being unrealistic to expect a push for the Play-Offs and a shot at the Premier dream?
On the face of it, Barnsley have recently under-performed; with losses against bottom sides Reading and Wednesday, not forgetting the diabolical postponement against Plymouth. Taking all in to account, nine points further, Mark Robins' outfit would now be sitting pretty in fourth.
But hey, that's the Championship for you. Every weekend, you have to expect that any side is capable and will beat anyone on the day.
So, for the next three fixtures, what will be the outcome?
Middlesborough away. With recent draws, they are a side who may be brittle if the Reds can find an early goal and whilst Strachan has seemingly strengthened via Celtic connections, are they still just gelling? My prediction?
Middlesborough 1 - 2 Barnsley
Plymouth home. Well, this one is the one to really savour. Surely it's about time we put a shift in at home "Huddersfield-esque" circa `98 and really shattered a side at home. Plymouth sit presently in 23rd, surely.
Barnsley 6 - 0 Plymouth Argyle
Scunny away. Here's the banana skin. Out of any side this season, this club have no fear of Barnsley. They can play and stop us playing. Hopefully MR has seen enough to combat the worst outcome, but it's going to be tough.
Scunthorpe 2 - 2 Barnsley
Whatever happens in term of actual results, the next three games will dictate the direction of our dreams. The Play-Offs are at present easily possible. Would you bet against a return to Wembley or a return to the Prem'?
Who's the favourite then? Mark Robins now has his option of potentially six (seven if Reuben NL should make that next step) to a squad position on match-day.
If Iain Hume should fulfil some of his promise prior to the sickening injury he sustained last season surely he would be a front runner, but will his chances noe be limited by Jay Rodriguez, a player who has indicated a desire to remain potentially longer than just one-month?
Daniel Bogdanovic, althouigh limited to just 13 starts this season knows where the onion bag is, but has been prone to flat displays too. Jamil Adam has made his way on to the bench, surprisingly in certain circles to RNL, someone that Robins has stated "will make a player". Is this Jonathan Macken's swan song season?
Andy Gray has been a breath of fresh air and is demonstrating that he can be an important acquisition for the Reds. He holds the ball well, has intelligent distribution and is now chipping in with goals himself.
Who is our Prince of the Onion Bag in this important final half of the season?
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