We put our hands in the air. Oh Yeah! A screamer….. Tyson’s hit a screamer…!!

If speed and power is your thing you won’t see a better goal at Pride Park this year. Twenty five yards out, left foot, a thunderous drive, the ball was still rising as it hit the back of the net.

It certainly eased our nerves as Barnsley were fighting for an equaliser to James O’Connor’s goal line tap in after Richard Keogh had headed Will Hughes corner against the crossbar.

Nerves frayed, as we dropped from 4-4-2 to a 4-5-1 and invited the Tykes onto us. Nails that were bitten as our most effective forward had been withdrawn, Theo Robinson always posing a threat and surprising with some excellent close control.

Smokers’ Nicotine patches working overtime as Conor Sammon, whose effort you couldn’t fault but whom never even looked likely to fire off a shot in anger, was replaced by Nathan Tyson.

And then the pure wave of relief as Tyson just walloped the ball and we led 2-0.

Like After-sun following a long day in the heat, we cooled and we relaxed. Barnsley had fought for everything, closed us down, played some good football and were miles ahead of previous opponents’ Blackpool.

Other points from last night, Tomasz Cywka made his return to Pride Park and received a warm welcome as the teams were announced.

Whilst on a personal note we were joined by that fan we’ve all met. You know the one… he does not normally go but feels he is the one to lead the singing, to offer his own special insight into the match with non stop advice for the players, the opposition, the referee and all.

Oh and the referee, Mr David Coote from Nottinghamshire, let a lot go but kept the game flowing and was fair to both sides, a mans game this football and far better for it.

Millwall then on Saturday, me and other “Fat Northern B*st*rds” refusing to be intimidated on tour!

Photo: Action Images

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