By Joey Barton’s own admission, the victory over Oxford United on Saturday was more of a statement and expression of Bristol Rovers’ qualities than the comprehensive triumph in Burton Albion seven days previously.
Against a genuine play-off contender, Rovers were disciplined, diligent, compact and competitive for the whole of the 90 minutes and well worth their three points which has taken them into third in the early League One standings.
Tonight’s contest at Oakwell will be a further examination of such attributes, as although Barnsley have made a mixed start to the campaign with wins over Cheltenham Town and Middlesbrough in the League Cup tempered by defeats to Plymouth Argyle and Derby County, they are a dangerous team with quality across the park and surely will be considerably higher than their 19th position presently suggests.
