Tykes carry momentum
PLAY-OFFS-bound Barnsley gave Championship champions Norwich a run for their money in an honours-even last match.
It capped an amazing turnaround for Barnsley, who have finished fifth this time, after having survived by the skin of their teeth on the final day of last season.
The Tykes now look ahead to their play-off showdown against Swansea.
Oakwell boss Valerien Ismael vowed to go for it with his up-and-at-’em style, and said: “We are now back to our proper strength.
“It was important to finish strong against the champions and we deserved at least a point. It’s a good feeling to see we are a top team in a play-off spot.
“It is an incredible achievement to finish fifth after 46 games, looking back to last season and the position where we started out this season. Now we hope for our big reward.”
High-pressing Barnsley made the breakthrough through leading striker Cauley Woodrow.
And his 14th goal of the season couldn’t have been easier, as Carlton Morris won the ball from Andrew Omobamidele and fed Woodrow, who had the simple task of hammering home from close range. But two minutes later the Canaries were level as Emiliano Buendia (below) was given an equally easy chance to head past keeper Brad Collins following a
Max Aarons cross.
Barnsley regained the lead two minutes before half-time, this time through Conor Chaplin.
Another fast-paced move saw Callum Styles take possession on the left side and his cross fell sweetly for Chaplin.
Back swung the pendulum as substitute Adam Idah levelled matters – with his first touch. Buendia, Aarons and Todd Cantwell combined in the build-up and Idah hit home a belter.
Barnsley could have snatched the win but Tim Krul made fine saves to keep out Victor Adeboyejo and Romal Palmer.
At the other end Jordan Hugill blew a glorious late chance and Buendia was also guilty of a bad miss.
Canaries boss Daniel Farke cradled two bottles of champagne given to him by close pal Ismael, and said: “It’s not a new experience – but it’s a proud moment to call yourself best in the league.
“To finish the season in style makes it a great day.
“After we made the title secure against Reading, Onel Hernandez soaked me with a bottle of water.
“He was more careful today – I told him I didn’t want to go all the way back to Norwich wet-through!”
BARNSLEY: Collins 6, Sibbick 6 (Kitching 84), Helik 6, Andersen 6, Brittain 6, Moon 7 (Williams 66, 6), Palmer 6, Styles 7, Chaplin 7 (Frieser 55, 6), Woodrow 7 ( Dike 55, 6), Morris 7 (Adeboyejo 55, 6).
Unused subs: Walton, Williams, Oduor, Halme, Sollbauer.
NORWICH CITY: Krul 6; Aarons 7, Hanley 6, Omobamidele 6, Giannoulis 6, Tetley 7 (Sorensen 87), McLean 6 (Idah 7), Buendia 8, Vrancic 6, Cantwell 6 (Hernandez 87), Hugill 6 (Dowell 72, 6), Unused subs: Nyland, Placheta, Quintilla, Stiepermann, Mumba.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Emiliano Buendia. Striker scored one and helped create the other. REFEREE: Joshua Smith 7.