Sam Ricketts (6) - Looked very good in the first half, but lost all credibility for his performance after the shocking header back into his goalmouth that Barnsley scored the winner from. Would like to see if he has the ability to overlap the winger and cross the ball. Most of the attacking play down the right was left to Fagan today.
Andy Dawson (7) - Decent enough, got down the line well. No cause for concern in this department.
Damien Delaney (6) - Didn't seem to do enough as capain. Sometimes he has embraced this role, but aside from one forward run this evening he didn't seem to have much influence on the game.
Michael Turner (5) - Made a couple of poor clearances and slips, and looked exposed when Barnsley's forwards used their pace on him. Might just have been a nervous home debut, I'm sure he'll improve on this showing.
Craig Fagan (7) - Looked much more effective playing in this position, as opposed to drifting out wide when he was meant to be a central striker. He was still effectively a striker, playing as far up the field as the central strikers when we were in possession. Missed a guilt edged chance early in the second half to show why he's not playing as an out and out forward. Also deserved to be booked for an unnecessary challenge that lost us possession when we needed it.
Ryan France (5) - Started fairly well but completely lost the plot, playing stupid balls, and struggled to keep up his position. He needs to be more positive - example being a neat triangle passing move in the first half, but stopped instead of running into space for Dawson to play a one-two to him. Confidence seemed to go after Barnsley got back into it, and he wasn't the man to turn the game back in our favour.
John Welsh (7) - Made some great challenges in the first half, but didn't really impose himself later on when we needed to get back into the game. Keith Andrews' introduction didn't seem to suit him - both were going forwards at the same time or sitting back at the same time, rather than working as a team.
Dean Marnsey (7) - Looked a danger going forwards and played very good, sensible balls to the wings to buid attacks. Should have done better with about 3 chances carved out on the edge of the box, shooting wildly into the stand instead of controlling his shot or putting in a cross. More to come, hopefully his injury's not serious as we need him.
Darryl Duffy (6) - Infuriating. At times he took good touches that almost put himself free. Other times, he just didn't make the runs off the ball to get into positions. He possibly has the skill, but is lacking in intelligence of good forward play. He is also supposed to have pace, but he doesn't have the acceleration or 'changing of gears' to get away from defenders.
Jon Parkin (7) - Took his goals very well and his aggression is useful. He has more know-how than Duffy in how to play the game. Petered out a bit, probably due to lack of fitness.
Subs
Keith Andrews (5) - Wasted a good shooting chance, and as previously mentioned, didn't work well with Welsh.
Ben Burgess (6) - It didn't come off, but he was at least trying to create chances. He also did well in the air. Looked out of practice though.
Stuart Elliott (5) - Wasn't in the positions we needed him to be in - ie. in and around Barnsley's penalty box. Instead he was around our half way line trying to play long passes, which just isn't his game.