Chester v Barnsley: Wilson urges Tykes to ‘knuckle down’ to earn Boro date

BEN MANSFORD says Barnsley are under no illusions that the TV cameras will be descending on the Deva Stadium this evening fully expecting an FA Cup shock – but the Reds are intent on disappointing the broadcasters.
By Leon Wobschall
Published 16th Dec 2014, 06:54 BST
UNDER PRESSURE: Barnsley manager Danny Wilson. Picture: Martyn Harrison.UNDER PRESSURE: Barnsley manager Danny Wilson. Picture: Martyn Harrison.
UNDER PRESSURE: Barnsley manager Danny Wilson. Picture: Martyn Harrison.

Several classic ingredients are there for a giant-killing tonight, with Danny Wilson’s side heading to Cheshire on the back of a dispiriting five-match winless streak allied to mounting injury concerns.

This week Wilson is due to join the select band of managers to take charge of 1,000 games, with that milestone arriving in the home clash with Leyton Orient this weekend.

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Wilson’s sole focus remains on immediate business for the club and not personal landmarks, starting at Chester tonight.

Everyone at the club is determined that the Reds are not the ‘fall guys’ tonight in front of the live BT Sport cameras, according to chief executive Mansford.

“The replay is very substantial for us,” said Mansford.

“It represents £27,000 if we win it and more importantly, it is about getting a bit of professional pride back.

“The TV are covering the game because they think we are going to be the next fall guys and we do not want to be those.”

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If Barnsley get through this evening, they will welcome Middlesbrough in an-all Yorkshire 
affair at Oakwell in the third round early next month.

Despite a poor performance in the first meeting with Chester at Oakwell, the club are grateful for small mercies, namely that they are still in the competition.

Wilson admitted that his side were lucky to have a second bite at the cherry after being second-best in the goalless stalemate on home soil nine days ago and Mansford is hoping it represents the wake-up call Barnsley needed ahead of tonight.

He added: “The cameras will be looking for an upset and I am sure Chester will come into the game far more confident, given how far they took us in the game at Oakwell.

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“But I do believe in the manager and quality of the players we have got. The fact we are the higher-ranked club is for a reason and it is about knuckling down and not under-estimating Chester. This is a real motivation to get through and pit our wits against Middlesbrough, a team who are going really well.

“But the big challenge first is to go to a lively ground in Chester and coming out the other end.

“We have every faith in the playing squad and management to make sure we achieve that aim.”

Last six games: Chester DWLWDD, Barnsley WLLDDL.

Referee: Keith Hill

Last time: Chester 2 Barnsley 2; April 4, 1981; Division Three.

Related topics:ChesterBarnsleyDanny WilsonTV camerasBoroOakwell