Edge-of-Your-Seat Entertainment as Tykes Triumph in Seven-Goal Cup Thriller
In a bonkers League Cup first-round clash at Spotland on 11 August 2012, Barnsley edged past Rochdale 4–3 after extra time — with ex-Dale man Chris Dagnall rubbing salt into the wounds with a match-winning brace.
Rochdale struck first blood in the 6th minute through Andrew Tutte, but the Reds hit back just before the break via a rare goal from young defender John Stones. Craig Davies then fired Barnsley into the lead on 79 minutes, setting up what looked like a routine finish.
But it’s never that simple with us, is it? Deep into stoppage time, ‘keeper Ben Alnwick saw red for headbutting Ray Putterill — and Jason Kennedy buried the resulting penalty to send the tie to extra time. Cheers, Ben.
Dagnall then stepped up against his former side, bagging two quickfire goals in the 95th and 105th minutes to put the Tykes 4–2 up. Rochdale weren’t done, though — Kennedy converted another spot-kick in the 107th — but Barnsley held on for a breathless win.
They never make it easy. But it’s never boring either.
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| Barnsley defence (Sir Bobby between the sticks): Image © Rob Nunns 2012 / @PitchsidePro |
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| Matt Done beats Rochdale keeper Josh Lillis: Image © Rob Nunns 2012 / @PitchsidePro |
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| Kelvin Etuhu on the ball: Image © Rob Nunns 2012 / @PitchsidePro |