ASC Ilkeston 4-4 Barnsley Supporters FC
Written by Allen Cooper on Monday 31st August 2009

TWO goals inside the last eight minutes rescued Barnsley from defeat in their opening match of the season in Derbyshire as Sam Owen hit a stunning hat-trick.

The Reds had twice been behind by two goals before completing an impressive fightback to earn a draw against a well organised and successful Ilkeston side.

The visitors were forced into a host of changes after as many as eight regular starters were unable to make the trip, including captain Jon Harper, vice captain Phil McNulty and last season's top scorer Rob Pick.

Ilkeston had a record of more wins than losses last season, and started this game at a good pace. Ant Meir missed a great chance early on after rounding Barnsley keeper Danny Haig but in doing so ran wide and couldn't get his short on target. Haig was then forced into a fine double save from point blank range to deny the hosts the opening goal.

Barnsley slowly began to find their feet though and Richard Brown was just inches from heading Matt Goodwin's cross into the unguarded net but couldn't quite connect. The Reds did take a somewhat fortunate lead after 10 minutes however when Sam OWEN latched onto Allen Cooper's flick on, before turning and hitting a sublime lob from 30 yards which evaded Halford and nestled into the net.

The Reds seemed to fall asleep straight from the kick off though as the home side attacked down the right hand side and Antony Meir's fine cross was headed in by Danny LITTLEWOOD to level the scores.

The game ebbed and flowed after that but almost went back ahead through manager Cooper. A long goal kick from Haig caused palpitations in the Ilkeston backline and Cooper beat Halford to the ball only to see his chip cleared off the line and away to safety.

Rich Brown was next to go close as his 25 yard shot whistled over the angle of bar and post.

ASC were still creating a number of chances themselves though and went in front for the first time right on the break. The attack came down the Barnsley left this time and Aden Meir's cross was turned home at the far post by Jake PEARSON.

HALF TIME: ASC ILKESTON 2-1 BARNSLEY SUPPORTERS FC

After making a lively start to the second period Barnsley were caught out from a corner as Aden MEIR hit Dale Smith's kick first time from 20 yards and in the process leaving Haig no chance of making the save.

Goodwin set about trying to reduce the arrears but after beating four defenders on a mazy run his finish was tame and easily fielded by Halford.

The Reds were not going to lie down without a fight though, and a moment of individual brilliance got them back to the game. Picking the ball up just over halfway, OWEN advanced a couple of strides before unleashing an unstoppable 40 yard shot into the top corner of the Ilkeston net.

Goodwin went close again soon after when he latched onto Josh Mills' long ball but his clever lob landed just to the right of Halford's left hand post.

The game appeared it may be up for the visitors in the 77th minute when Ilkeston right back Rich HAWKINS drilled in a wonderful 30 yard shot which swerved past Haig on its way into the bottom corner of the net. At least the second contender for goal of the season during the match so far.

Barnsley refused to give up though and again reduced the arrears with seven minutes left. Lee Beard, who had the honour of captaining the side, swung in a corner and though Josh Green's header appeared to have crossed the line, Richard BROWN followed up to make sure. The official credited the goal to Brown despite the assistant advising the initial header had crossed the line.

By this point the game was being played almost exclusively in the Ilkeston half and the Reds forced a string of corners. Mills appeared to be shoved in the back from one of those but the referee only awarded a further flag kick as just three minutes remained.

Justice was done though as after taking the initial corner, the ball was headed back out to OWEN who took the ball inside the box and fired a low shot past Halford to earn Barnsley a much deserved share of the spoils.

Considering the list of players missing the game, it was a more than useful draw for Barnsley, whose next fixture is a trip to Whitby on September 5.

ASC Ilkeston: James Halford; Rich Hawkins, Jason Hallam, Sam Shaw, Jason Bowler (c); Dale Smith, Jake Pearson, Danny Littlewood, Aden Meir; Antony Meir, Shane Armstrong
Subs: Phil Crowe, Paul Francis

Barnsley: Danny Haig; Josh Mills, Bill Redfern, Chris Lee, Gavin Saville; Lee Beard (c), Richard Brown, Sam Owen; Allen Cooper, Kieron Brown; Matt Goodwin
Subs: Joshua Green, Baz Goodwin

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