Match Report
The table gap was wide: 16 points between Derby County (2nd, 92 pts) and Barnsley (6th, 76 pts). Recent form told a different story for Barnsley: only 22nd in the league over the last five rounds despite sitting 6th. Against a league average of 1.29 goals per team per game, Barnsley ran at 1.78 scored and 1.39 conceded, Derby County at 1.7 and 0.8.
Defeat had not touched Derby County in 5 games.
The head-to-head ledger counts 25 games: 7 Barnsley wins, 11 for Derby County, 7 draws, at 2.8 goals per meeting. Expect goals on precedent — three or more in 60% of the meetings, and both sides scored in 60%.
Oakwell Stadium in Barnsley staged the fixture, a ground that holds 23,287. On the scoreboard, it was 1-1 at the break; 1 second-half goal set the final 2-1.