Stakes are high as Reds seek S6 payback

There have been too many occasions to mention in the past three decades when the travelling red army, who have made the short trip down the A61 from Oakwell to Hillsborough, have suffered acute disappointment.

One win in an unlucky 13 visits to S6 since April, 1983 – the dreadful run incorporating 11 defeats – is a record that speaks for itself and how the travelling contingent would relish a bit of payback in one of the biggest meetings between the near-neighbours for many years.

The stakes are simply massive for both sides, both hovering immediately above the Championship drop zone and, if either lose today, they will be mindful they could head into the Bank Holiday Monday programme back in the relegation places.

But for the winner, untold joy.

Envisaging a real derby occasion to savour, Rowing said: “We always look forward to the big derby games and this one is even more significant for both clubs.

“It will be a real ding-dong affair and promises to be the place to be.”

On the remarkable renaissance of the Reds, who have picked up a stunning eight Championship victories in 13 matches under David Flitcroft’s command after looking nailed on for relegation at the turn of the year, Rowing added: “Over Christmas and New Year, we looked like we were down and out. It did look more than a little ominous.

“But since then, we have had a remarkable recovery and the results have been promotion form really.

“David is doing a great job. He is bubbly and leads from the front and has got everything you need, really.

“He has done very well and the appointments he has made has also helped, such as bringing in Micky Mellon and Martin Scott. David was a rookie, but he has learnt very quickly in a tough league to learn in.

“The players have responded and they have given us a fighting chance of staying up.

“We have had some remarkable performances. But the Cup game against Burnley (in early January) sticks out for me. We ground a result out and young Danny Rose got the winner at the end and a great sense of relief just went around the club after that.

“I do think that was the catalyst for what was to come.”

Many Reds fans have been clamouring for Flitcroft to be handed an extended deal following 
his head-turning exploits at Oakwell.

The Lancastrian’s current short-term deal expires at the end of the season, but despite his heroics, the club recently confirmed that contract talks will be put on hold until then with the Reds’ Championship fate in the balance and everyone at the club concentrating solely on completing their great escape mission – with no side issues.

Rowing added: “We are focusing all our efforts into staying in this division. It’s imperative we do that and we won’t let anything else get in our way.”