Overall, it was a disappointing day for the Reds and a frustrating one for the supporting faithful. Almost everybody questioned the tactic of playing 4-5-1 at home and this perhaps was the beginning of our downfall on Saturday.
Although the midfield was packed, it was Doncaster who dictated the flow of the game in the first half.
On 29 minutes, Filipe Teixeira was withdrawn and replaced by Bogy, perhaps due to injury rather than tactics and the Barnsley Top Scorer continued to hold the formation together that they had started with.
James Coppinger duly converted Donny's advantage by curling home from the edge of the area on 35 minuted.
By half time, The Ponty End was groaning and there were some boos ringing out as Barnsley departed from the field.
The second half was an improvement. The formation adjusted to a more traditional shape of 4-4-2. Statistically the Reds were proven to be the more dominant team, but the frustration remained, unable to convert anything from a number of opportunities they created.
Although possession was even between the two, Barnsley had eight chances on target versus a miserly two from Donny. But the result was fair. Perhaps a draw might have been fairer.
Even in defeat there were some highlight performances. Jacob Butterfield replaced Doyle and provided a further glimpse that this lad will have an important part and future at Barnsley FC. Luke Potter benefited from the influence of Darren Moore and like Butterfield continues to look promising. MOTM, Adam Hammill had a determined display also, probably the best 90 minutes he's had for months.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield, Mark Robins said:
"Disappointing, it's a poor defeat. We created one or two decent chances and really, we should have had a draw today.
"One or two think the job's done and that's not good enough for me or the supporters.
"We have to make sure we are better mentally than that and stronger than that for the rest of the season."
The league encounters over history are no longer balanced. Donny now have the superior record:
Barnsley Wins (21) | Draws (17) | Doncaster Wins (22)
On this level, perhaps the outcomes of local derby matches do not register with the players at this time of the season, but I take heart from the words of MR.
I am convinced that there are numerous player exits planned and that come 2010 / 2011, MR will have a side that is far more representative of his beliefs, style and output.
As it is, the season will inevitably now peter out.
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