Duo Not Risked as Reserves Fail

Last updated : 09 October 2003 By Andy Beill

Defenders Marc Joseph and Alton Thelwell were expected to make their comebacks from injury, but neither played. Joseph has had a setback after rushing his recovery from a knee injury, while Thelwell wasn't risked.

Peter Taylor explains why: "I pulled Alton out of the game because I need him as an option for the weekend.

"I've seen him in training and he's looked good, but if he'd got injured last night I wouldn't have been able to call upon him."

City did field Shaun Smith - who captained the side - and Greg Strong. The pair have recently returned from loan spells at Stockport and Bury respectively, with neither club wanting to keep them on.

It was a mistake by Strong that allowed Barnsley to score the opener, with Isaiah Rankin stealing in to beat goalkeeper Danny Harvey in the 12th minute.

Rankin got his second with just over 10 minutes to go to seal a 2-0 win in front of almost 800 fans.

City have two weeks until their next game, going to Stoke on the 22nd still seeking their first win of the season.

City line-up: Harvey; Regan, Strong, Burton, Smith; France, Melton, Keates, Williams; Webb, Forrester (Donaldson 45).
Un-used subs: Fry, Peat, Byron, Russell.