REVVED UP AND RARING TO GO

56 hits to go for 20,000, how's that? Today was Barnsley v Derby at Oakwell and I would write about the game, how effective Barnsley were; hard working, honest, gathered together. And how disappointing Derby were with that talent available. To be fair the Barnsley keeper made three outstanding saves, but then barnsley hit the post, so it could have been 3-3 thriller. In the end the Tykes were comfortable winners and the Derby staff looked uncomfortable.

So the match programme was informative as ever, this time two fans, Neil and Gaz, set off for london to find the grave of the Reverend Tiverton Preedy, the founder of Barnsley St Peter's FC. Born in 1863 (when the FA was formed) in Hunstanton, he was ordained in 1887 and ran a mission on the Doncaster Road, Barnsley. At theological college he learned that sport was a good way of teaching morale values in what was known as "muscular Christianity". he joined the local rugby club but objected to them playing matches on Good Friday, so he did his own thing and formed the church football team. Barnsley FC emerged from his good work and joined the Football League in 1898.

In 1883 he moved to Islington to carry on his good work and formed a boxing club and became the Prebendary of St Paul's Cathedral in 1926 but had heart problems and he died in 1928. He was buried in the Islington Cemetery in Finchley and that is where you can find his restored headstone and grave, lovingly cared for by Barnsley Suppoprters' Trust!

Tiverton on the left has a bit of scrap!