Barnsley v Notts County: Consistency can help elevate aspiring Reds

Barnsley manager Danny Wilson. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The campaign has moved into the second quarter in recent weeks but the table remains very tight, with just three points separating Swindon Town in third place from Oldham Athletic in 10th.

With leaders Bristol City boasting the only unbeaten record in the Football League and looking imperious along with second-placed Peterborough United, the challenge for the chasing pack is to drag the top two back into the mix.

Barnsley, who sit 13th with 15 points from 12 games, host sixth--placed Notts County tonight and Wilson said: “There are a couple of teams who look to be nailed on to be challenging for the top two. Then, a dozen or so are challenging for the top six places. That is how tight it is.

“I don’t think we have reached where we can be (in terms of performance) but we are close. I look at Notts County, they are sixth in the table and have had a great start.

“Ourselves, we have not had a particularly good start. It has been inconsistent.

“But we will be within touching distance of the top six if we can win.”

James Bailey is suspended after collecting his fifth booking of the season in the weekend defeat at Peterborough but, otherwise, the squad is unchanged.

Last six games: Barnsley LLWDWL, Notts County DDWWWW.

Referee: S Stockbridge (Tyne & Wear).

Last time: Barnsley 1 Notts County 1; August 30, 2003; Division Three.