On This Day: Barnsley v Crystal Palace - 17 January 1998
Oakwell, a fortress on its day, played host to a relegation scrap with serious consequences on this cold January afternoon in 1998. Barnsley, still clinging to the hope of Premier League survival in their maiden (and, so far, only) top-flight season, welcomed fellow strugglers Crystal Palace. Both sides desperately needed points, making this a proper six-pointer, the sort of fixture where elbows fly, nerves jangle, and a single moment of magic (or madness) can define a season.
With 17,819 fans packed into Oakwell, the atmosphere was tense. Every cheer and groan carried the weight of a town refusing to bow out of the big league quietly.
Starting Line-ups
Barnsley: David Watson, Nicky Eaden, Darren Barnard, Chris Morgan, Peter Markstedt, Neil Redfearn (C), Darren Sheridan, Eric Tinkler, Jan Åge Fjørtoft, Clint Marcelle, Ashley Ward
Substitutes: Andy Liddell (for Jan Åge Fjørtoft, 88')
Cards: Darren Barnard (Y), Nicky Eaden (Y), Chris Morgan (Y)
Crystal Palace: Kevin Miller, Marc Edworthy, Hermann Hreidarsson, Andy Linighan, Jamie Smith, Dean Gordon, Tomas Brolin, Jamie Fullarton, Andy Roberts, Marcus Bent, Bruce Dyer
Substitutes: Rory Ginty (for Andy Linighan, 84')
Cards: Marc Edworthy (Y), Jamie Fullarton (Y), Dean Gordon (Y), Hermann Hreidarsson (Y)
First Half: Fjørtoft’s First Impressions & Ward’s Clinical Touch
New recruit Jan Åge Fjørtoft wasted no time getting stuck in, showing exactly why the Reds had brought him in. The Norwegian's clever touch teed up club captain Neil Redfearn, who in turn set up Clint Marcelle for an early effort on goal. The breakthrough wouldn’t come just yet, but the warning signs were there for Palace.
Redfearn, never one to shy away from a chance, then had a crack himself from a free-kick, forcing Palace’s Kevin Miller into a decent save. The Reds were taking control, their intent clear, and it was no surprise when they finally found a way through.
Darren Sheridan, a terrier in midfield, sniffed out an opportunity and won the ball back with typical tenacity. His pass found the ever-reliable Redfearn, who measured out a beauty of a ball to Ashley Ward. And if there was one thing Ward knew how to do, it was find the net. The striker, who had already made a habit of scoring in big games, slotted home his sixth goal since arriving at the club the previous September. Cue bedlam in the stands—Oakwell erupted.
Barnsley 1-0 up. A lifeline in the battle for survival.
Second Half: Brolin's Near Miss & a Nervy Finish
Palace, stung into action, came out for the second half with renewed purpose. Swedish international Tomas Brolin, once a dazzling talent but now more cult figure than serious threat, nearly pulled them level with a diving header that rattled the crossbar. A warning shot across the bows.
The visitors continued to press, sniffing out an equaliser. And, for a brief moment, they thought they’d found one. Brolin once again had the ball in the net, only for the offside flag to cut short the Eagles’ celebrations. Barnsley fans exhaled as one—relief.
The Reds held firm. Every tackle, clearance, and nervy hoof upfield brought them closer to three precious points. The final whistle blew, and the roar of Oakwell told you everything. A hard-earned victory, a glimmer of hope.
The Aftermath: A Moment to Savour
Ashley Ward, the day’s match-winner, had been a vital figure since his arrival from Derby County. His goals had already earned Barnsley famous away victories at Anfield and Villa Park. This one, however, might have meant even more—a win in front of the home faithful, against a fellow struggler, in a battle they simply had to win.
But despite the joy of this victory, the wider picture remained bleak. Barnsley’s Premier League dream was slipping, and even this win couldn’t change the course of history. By May, the Reds would be relegated, finishing 19th, their brief flirtation with the big time coming to an end.
Yet, this match stands as a reminder of that season’s spirit—of the fight, the hope, and the moments that made it special.
On this day, Barnsley fought, battled, and, for one crucial afternoon, triumphed.
Final Score: Barnsley 1-0 Crystal Palace
Scorer: Ashley Ward (26')