Barnsley vs Birmingham City. Sky Bet Championship.
Oakwell StadiumAttendance13,950.
Barnsley 1-1 Birmingham: Lukas Jutkiewicz earns point for Blues in Sky Bet Championship
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Championship clash between Barnsley and Birmingham at Oakwell as Callum Styles puts the Tykes in front but Blues battle back to earn a point via Lukas Jutkiewicz.
Saturday 28 August 2021 18:44, UK
Birmingham recovered from an early setback to secure a point in a 1-1 draw at Barnsley in the Sky Bet Championship.
Callum Styles put the home side ahead in the sixth minute before Lukas Jutkiewicz equalised.
Barnsley head coach Markus Schopp named an unchanged side following his side's 2-2 draw at QPR last weekend.
Both sets of players wore black armbands as a mark of respect following the death of former Birmingham player Sam Oji.
Barnsley's Cauley Woodrow went close with an early long-range volley which went narrowly wide.
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Styles gave the hosts an early lead with a fine goal, firing into the roof of the net after being set up by Clarke Oduor.
As Birmingham began to pick up the pace, Jutkiewicz headed over from a Jeremie Bela corner.
Oduor caused problems for Blues' backline with a driving surge forward before passing the ball to Styles, whose poor first touch allowed the defenders to regroup.
Jutkiewicz scored the equaliser in the 33rd minute, capitalising on a mistake from Toby Sibbick and finding the net at the second attempt.
There was further indecision at the back from Barnsley shortly after the restart when Liam Kitching's clearing header saw Kristian Pedersen pick up the loose ball, but his effort was blocked.
Woodrow threatened, firing in a shot that was on target but straight at goalkeeper Matija Sarkic.
At the other end, Maxime Colin headed over after meeting a cross from Bela.
As the home side looked to reaffirm their authority after surrendering an early lead, Dominik Frieser posed a threat from the wing and Callum Brittain was also involved in some attacking moves.
Frieser tried a shot that was deflected wide for a corner and Colin made an important block to keep out an effort from Woodrow.
Birmingham had a chance to go in front when a quick break saw Ryan Woods pick out Tahith Chong who put his effort wide.
Another good opportunity for the visitors went begging when Scott Hogan got on the end of a cross from Bela, but he put his header wide.
Hogan again threatened to find a way through after Chong beat Sibbick and he found himself one-on-one with Brad Collins, with the keeper coming to his side's rescue with a good save.
Hogan was withdrawn shortly afterwards with Chuks Aneke coming on in his place.
There was also an attacking change for Barnsley, with Frieser replaced by Victor Adeboyejo.
Aneke soon made his presence known with Collins forced to make an important block to thwart him as the game ended all square.
What the managers said...
Barnsley's Markus Schopp: "I am not frustrated. At the end, we are happy with a point. More especially in the second half, when they hurt us. Playing Birmingham is not an easy one. They are a really tough team to compete against. It was not easy when they have so many set-pieces. It was a tough situation and it breaks your rhythm. Their goal came from a set-piece and a second ball. We don't want to have to adapt our style. I do want a result where we can relax!
"But it is never a question about the character and attitude of my players. My team put it all on the pitch and it is awesome. In games like today and last week, there are moments in the game which can bring in one side or the other. It is something I think where sometimes, it would be important to have a bit more experience."
Birmingham's Lee Bowyer: "We should have left with all three points. We dominated the second half and created three very, very good chances - not half-chances. The keeper saved a one-on-one and got Barnsley a point, but that's what he's paid to do.
"Barnsley are a very good team with high energy and good players. They scored a great goal. What a strike from the lad. Sometimes, you have to hold your hand up."