Barnsley 2, Huddersfield 2

Jan 2 2006 By The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

NOT the win 3,000 travelling fans wanted, but they roared Town off in great style after Gary Taylor-Fletcher's dramatic equaliser.

Three minutes and 24 seconds of stoppage time had been played when Fletch pounced for the second time in three matches to rescue a point.

It was no more than Town deserved after a storming second-half display which left even Barnsley manager Andy Ritchie admitting his team had been second best.

And everyone who leapt to their feet when Fletch poked home his ninth goal of the season to prevent a massive injustice will hope Town's much-improved performance promises a jaunty January will follow a dismal December.

It was a shame the evenly-contested first half should end with a double whammy for Peter Jackson's side, who showed immense character to bounce back from the 3-0 mauling by Port Vale to play with such enterprise.

Firstly, skipper Jon Worthington made a rash challenge on Chris Shuker and, having already been warned by referee Eddie Ilderton, found himself booked for the 10th time this season.

It means the grafting midfielder will miss out on the dream date with Chelsea and the following clash with Scunthorpe and that's a sickener not just for him but for the rest of a team who respect his combative qualities.

To make matters worse, the resulting free kick by Jacob Burns floated straight across the six yard box and directly into the net - Paul Rachubka not moving as he appeared distracted by players running across to jump for the ball.