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    Swansea top scorer Joel Piroe getting striking tips from girlfriend Naomi… who’s firing them in for PSV

    JOEL PIROE has revealed he gets tips on how to score goals and wreak havoc up front with Swansea from a leading expert… his GIRLFRIEND.Piroe’s better half Naomi Pattiwael happens to be a striker herself – playing for the PSV Eindhoven women’s team.
    Joel Piroe gets some of his best goalscoring tips from his footballer girlfriend Naomi Pattiwael
    Piroe is not just in love with his girlfriend but Swansea City after a wonderful start to the season
    And it has certainly paid dividends for the Swansea ace, who has now netted 10 goals in 14 starts.
    The couple met while they were both coming through the youth ranks at PSV.
    Piroe told SunSport: “We went to the same school doing our education together while we were at PSG.
    “The two of us train together in the summer to get ready for the new season. 
    “We’re always giving each other advice. We watch each other’s games and she will often ask me why I made a particular decision and how maybe I could’ve done something better.
    “The two of us are always talking about football because Naomi knows about it very well. She is a great player and it’s a good thing that we can help each other.” 
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    Naomi Pattiwael is a decent striker in Holland for PSV’s women’s team
    Loved-up couple Joel Piroe and Naomi Pattiwael enjoy the coastal scenes around Swansea
    Joel Piroe hopes it will be a Merry Christmas for him, his girlfriend and Swansea
    But one man who helped Piroe more than any other was someone else who knows a thing or two about scoring goals – Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
    The Dutch master is manager of PSV’s reserve side.
    Piroe said: “He helped me a lot. Of course, he has so much experience at the very highest level – and always try to see the same situations as him when I’m playing a game.
    “I always think about what he would do.
    “He really helped me make quick decisions and understand the importance of being in the right place at the right time to score. 
    “Ruud was so deadly but he wasn’t a striker who just stood there – he used to move around very well to get into the right positions to finish coolly.
    “He advised me on a lot of things but the most valuable was how to take penalties. He had a good method for it.
    “The art of taking a good penalty is having confidence. You never know what pressure will be on the kick so you just need to have a clear head and confidence in what you want to do.
    “If you do that, I don’t think any keeper will be able to save it.
    “I’m of course not at the same level right now as Ruud Van Nistelrooy but I hope to be at that level in the future.” 
    Piroe was confident he could do the business in British football when he moved to South Wales in the summer – but even he did not anticipate hitting the ground running as well as he has done.
    The Dutchman said: “It couldn’t have gone much better. I’ve settled quickly. It’s been a wonderful start to my career in the UK.
    “I was always confident I’d do well here. I felt as though I was well prepared although I didn’t expect to score as many goals as I have done and the start I’ve had.
    “Scoring on my debut helped and my team-mates and coaching staff here have helped me so much.” 
    BETTING SPECIAL – GET 20/1 ON ONE OR MORE SHOTS ON TARGET FOR EITHER TEAM IN TOTTENHAM VS LIVERPOOL
    Swansea striker Joel Piroe has hit the ground running with 11 Championship goals so far
    While he is enjoying his football, Piroe has found living alone in South Wales the biggest challenge – as he now has to cook, clean and iron himself!
    And the striker revealed he hates cooking.
    He said: “My mum used to do all that stuff but now I’ve had to learn to do all this myself.
    “I don’t like cooking. I just feel it’s a waste of time for me.
    “Most of the time I roast chicken in the oven and make myself some rice with different spices.
    “But cooking is so time consuming. If I cook for over half an hour or an hour, it seems a lot of work when you eat it in less than 15 minutes!
    “Obviously I can’t order takeaways because they are not healthy but the chef at Swansea does box some food up for me to take home, which is great.”
    Piroe will have to wait to add to his impressive scoring tally after Swansea’s game against QPR this weekend was called off after a Covid outbreak in the Londoners’ camp.
    The Swans were hoping to end a three-match losing streak that has seen them slip away from the play-off contenders.
    Piroe said: “We’ve been making too many unforced errors – especially when we get a bit tired.
    “That is the main thing we’ve got to improve and focus on.
    “It does become an issue when you’re playing three games a week. It consumes a lot from you but we’ve got to find a way to stay switched on.
    “I believe this team can break into the play-off places. We have everything to make it possible.” More

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    Premier League clubs CANCEL Christmas parties with players instead going out in small groups amid Omicron Covid surge

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been cancelling their Christmas parties.The majority of them were due to be held last week with the exception of the teams playing European football.
    Charlton Athletic stars enjoyed their Christmas party but Prem stars aren’t getting oneCredit: Instagram
    Instead, Prem players are generally going out in groups of three and four.
    In the EFL, some clubs have carried on staging their parties while others have scrapped them.
    Some players have lied to their clubs by insisting the parties have been scrapped — and carried on boozing in any case.
    Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park is a favourite location.
    Charlton’s Ben Watson wins the award for the best fancy dress. He went as fellow redhead Steve Sidwell in full Chelsea kit.
    Another Addicks player dressed as Kim Jong-un.
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    ADAM LALLANA, Martin O’Neill and Tony Woodcock head the list of stars behind 360 Sports TV — the first dedicated streaming platform for sport documentaries.
    With over 300 hours of content, the subscription-based service also has rugby heavyweights Kyle Sinckler, Jack Clifford and Michael Young on board alongside Lallana.
    It is the brainchild of ex-Channel 4 presenter John Warrington.
    He told SunSport: “We are delivering the stories behind the passion — unlike Netflix/Amazon, who only invest in major names and ignore the real stories.”
    New films in the pipeline include Local Heroes — a doc featuring Nottingham-born Woodcock, Viv Anderson and Garry Birtles’ glory years under Brian Clough at Forest.
    Ex-Bradford midfielder Jamie Lawrence’s book From Prison to Premiership will be adapted, as will Corie Mapp’s incredible real-life Cool Runnings story.
    Every Premier League club’s most-affordable season ticket, ranked from most to least expensive
    FORMER Bristol Rovers director of football Tommy Widdrington is now manager of National League strugglers King’s Lynn.
    But there was no time for celebrating a 2-1 win over Dover in his first game on Saturday as he rushed off to find a TV to watch his son Kai, a professional dancer, compete in the semi-finals of Strictly Come Dancing.
    Kai Widdrington is through to the final with partner AJ Odudu.

    UEFA suffered a nightmare by cocking up the Champions League draw.
    And Scottish League Two side Stenhousemuir certainly thought it was funny by announcing: “We’re pleased, and confused, to announce we’ve been drawn away to Real Madrid in the last Champions League round of 16.”

    BT SPORT are sweating over Manchester United’s lunchtime kick-off with Brighton on Saturday after a Covid outbreak in the Red Devils camp.
    If the game is postponed, there will be no games moved to that slot and BT would screen the game when it is rescheduled for a midweek date.
    Last season six televised games were postponed and were screened again at a later date.
    Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick hopes his side can play on SaturdayCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

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    Marvin Morgan dead at 38: Tributes paid to former Plymouth and Shrewsbury striker who became fashion designer

    FORMER Plymouth and Shrewsbury player Marvin Morgan has sadly passed away aged 38. The ex-striker was also known for his fashion label Fresh Ego Kid, worn by several sporting stars.
    Ex-Shrewsbury player Marvin Morgan has sadly passed away aged 38Credit: Action Images – Reuters
    Marvin Morgan created the Fresh Ego Kid fashion lineCredit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun
    Morgan’s old clubs and team-mates paid tribute to the sad news of his death.
    Shrewsbury tweeted: “Shrewsbury Town Football Club is deeply saddened to receive news that Marvin Morgan has tragically passed away aged just 38.
    “The Club would like to send our most sincere condolences to his friends and family. Rest in Peace, Marvin.”
    Wealdstone posted: “Wealdstone FC are incredibly saddened to hear the news that former player Marvin Morgan has passed away.
    “Marvin was the club’s youngest ever goalscorer and his infectious personality made him a very popular figure to all that knew him.”
    During Morgan’s career, he played as high as League One for Shrewsbury and Dagenham & Redbridge.
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    He made 104 appearances for Aldershot, scoring 30 times during his three years with the club.
    The club tweeted: “Aldershot Town Football Club is deeply saddened to hear that former player Marvin Morgan has passed away at just 38 years old.
    “The Club would like to send our most sincere condolences to his friends and family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Marvin.”
    Current Shrewsbury midfielder Elliott Bennett said: “Taken too soon. Rest in beautiful peace Marvin.
    “My deepest condolences to his young family and friends.”
    Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku wrote: “This is some s*** news man… RIP my brother you will be missed.”
    West Ham’s Declan Rice posted: “One of the most clean hearted, happy, loving person you could meet! Totally shocked, RIP @MarvinNMorgan.”
    In 2011, while still playing, Morgan set up the streetwear fashion brand Fresh Ego Kid, which has been worn by Dele Alli, Anthony Joshua and Romelu Lukaku.
    Comedian Mo Gilligan was among those to also pay tribute to Morgan.
    Marvin Morgan playing against Arsenal in 2011Credit: PA:Press Association
    Gilligan tweeted: I’m so hurt man Marvin was one of the kindest, coolest souls and a joy to be around.
    “You’re going to missed my bro. Sending my condolences to his family during this difficult time.
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    “Nah man Marvin was one of the best uno, everytime I gave him tickets for show etc he always said he would pay & would also support and honestly was one of the the utmost best people he really brought people together.
    “I’m so sad right now I can’t even lie. RIP Marvin Morgan.”
    Rapper Yungen posted: “Can’t believe what I’m seeing… RIP Marvin Morgan..
    “You always showed me the most love and support on my come up. Im in shock.”
    Fresh Ego Kid was set up in 2011Credit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun More

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    Ex-Barcelona target Jean Michael Seri on a hot streak at Fulham after suffering from ingrowing toenails in cold weather!

    JEAN MICHAEL SERI used to suffer from cold feet.But now the Ivory Coast star is really letting them do the talking at Fulham.
    Jean Michael Seri used to suffer from cold feet but now they have been in form for Fulham
    Seri, 30, arrived at Craven Cottage three years ago to a huge fanfare after the club paid Nice £25million.
    It was seen as a transfer coup as Barcelona had tried to sign him just one year before.
    Yet he had an awful first season at the club under first Slavisa Jokanovic and then Scott Parker, which ended in relegation from the Premier League.
    Seri – who has spent most of the past two seasons on loan at Galatasaray and Bordeaux – suffered from ingrowing toenails in cold weather.
    He said: “My toenails on my left foot were very painful when the weather was cold.
    “I had to cut them every time because they grew into the flesh.

    “It was something that had never happened to me before because I was playing in Portugal and the south of France where the weather was warm.
    “Yet in England it was the first time I had played in cold weather and it was difficult. I had to wear a bigger size left boot.”
    But Seri has since fixed the problem and no longer suffers from the issue.
    He added: “This time is different. I put cream on my feet and the problem has gone.”
    Championship leaders Fulham take on Bournemouth on Friday night in a top-of-the-table clash.
    And Seri is now finally showing the Craven Cottage faithful why the club invested so much money in signing him.
    The midfielder is right up near the top of the league’s assists standings with six so far.
    Seri arrived at Fulham with a bang, scoring a sensational goal against Burnley
    He has also started 17 of the club’s 20 league matches and been a commanding and calming presence in the middle of the park.
    It is all a far cry from his first season at Fulham – which started superbly with a stunning goal-of-the-month winning strike against Burnley but quickly fizzled out in a campaign that saw the West Londoners crash back into the Championship.
    But the Ivorian believes he has unfinished business at the Cottage and accepts his previous performances were not good enough.
    Seri said: “I felt a lot of expectation when I joined. The Fulham fans had heard about me almost joining Barcelona so thought I would help them stay in the Premier League.
    ‘HE’S BETTER THAN ZIDANE…’SERI revealed he had to be told by a friend that Fulham fans had made up a song in homage to him.
    The words go like this:
    “We’ve got SeriJean Michael SeriI just don’t think you understandHe’s Marco Silva’s manHe’s better than ZidaneWe’ve got Jean Michael Seri”
    And the midfielder said: “They sang it against Millwall and my friend told me the fans were singing my name.
    “And I thought, ‘No, they’re not.’
    “But I watched the game back on TV and heard it good, I heard my name.
    “It gives you a lot of positive energy to go again and fight for them.”

    “Unfortunately things didn’t go as we all wanted.
    “The club spent a lot of money for me and expected better from me.
    “I didn’t give back something.. I must give the club something back for that investment so I’m glad to be doing so now.
    “When you first come to England, it can be difficult. We can see this with a lot of players who come from different countries because it’s very different here to other leagues.
    “What I learned, reflecting on that season, is that you must have a winning mentality every day, not just on matchdays.
    “If you have this mentality, you’ll be ready for every game and that’s the key as a professional player when you come to England. At first I didn’t have that.
    “What I mean by this mentality is winning every day, winning in every training session. You must not lose the ball easily and must try to win every challenge.
    “If you have a game on Saturday, you can’t start preparing on Thursday. You must be preparing from Monday to the matchday.
    The midfielder spoke to SunSport ahead of the top-of-the-table clash with Bournemouth
    Seri has been in top form for Fulham this season in the middle of the park
    “Do that, and you’ll arrive at the game winning every challenge, you won’t be giving away possession and when you’re winning 1-0 you’ll want to defend well to make sure you don’t concede a goal. That is a winning mentality.
    “And then you move on to the next game and go again. You must have this routine
    “If you don’t do this, it’s impossible to be successful.
    “I have told players in France that in England you must be perfect. If you’re good, you’ll be average or inconsistent. No, you must be perfect to succeed.”
    Seri had a good season on loan at Galatasaray, playing Champions League football, and when he returned to Fulham last summer with the club back in the Premier League, he was desperate to make amends.
    But he did not feature in a single top-flight game and only managed 118 minutes of football in the Carabao Cup, coming on as a sub against Sheffield Wednesday before playing the full 90 against Brentford.
    Seri was not even involved in a Premier League matchday squad so he decided to go on loan to Bordeaux during the January transfer window.
    He said: “I had a positive season in Turkey so it was frustrating to not play.
    I was thinking, ‘Why does the manager not realise that I can help the team?’ because I was in very good form and very confident.JEAN MICHAEL SERI
    “I was thinking, ‘Why does the manager not realise that I can help the team?’ because I was in very good form and very confident.
    “I had learned from my past experience in the Premier League. If he gave me one chance, I could’ve helped the team.
    “It was a big frustration and not what I expected when I returned.
    “I spoke to Scott Parker before we started the season and that conversation must remain private. But he decided what he had to decide and it was a difficult situation for me.”
    However, when he returned from Bordeaux this year, new boss Marco Silva told the midfielder he was part of his plans.
    And since then Seri has not looked back and has promised fans there is no chance of him leaving during the January transfer window.
    He said: “When the gaffer arrived, he said, ‘I want you to help us go up together into the Premier League.’
    “I knew Marco from when he was in Portugal and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I wanted to stay here and my family like London too.
    “The Championship is actually better than a lot of the leagues in Europe.
    Jean Seri hopes to pay back Fulham by helping them to promotion to the Premier League
    “I’m here for the whole season. I want to celebrate when we get promoted. I want to enjoy this moment with the club.
    “Fulham deserves it because they’ve spent a lot of money on me. They deserve to be in the Premier League for many years and I believe Marco is building something good.
    “And I want to pay the club back.”
    JEAN MICHAEL SERI ON ….
    ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC: Everyone speaks about the goals he is scoring – but it’s not just about that anymore with him.
    Before, I knew Mitrovic as a striker, a No9 who would get into the box on the end of the long ball.
    But, no, not now.
    Mitro is coming back to participate in the game and that is very different and important for the team.
    BOURNEMOUTH CLASH: There will be no surprises for us. We’ve planned everything. The manager has put something on the table – a plan and we’ve done everything he has told us.
    What is being demanded of us is very easy. We don’t need to complicate it.
    We don’t have to add anything. He is telling us exactly what he wants and in this way we can be successful together.
    THE FANS: The way they’re coming and pushing us, we must keep going.
    Some months ago, we were without them so we’re very happy they’re back and we want them to push us until the end. More

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    Wayne Rooney assures Derby fans club will exist after claims they face liquidation amid HMRC tax bill

    WAYNE ROONEY has denied reports Derby County are going to be liquidated due to the tax bill they face from the HMRC.The Rams went into administration back in September and have still not found a buyer to take over and deal with their £29.3million tax bill.
    Rooney has sent out a positive message to Derby fans amid rumours of administrationCredit: Alamy
    The Championship side have already been deducted 21 points for going into administration and breaching accounting rules – a penalty which leaves them 19 points from safety after just 20 games.
    Derby have not been in the third tier since they were promoted into the Second Division 35 years ago.
    And there are now reports they could be liquidated.
    Yet despite the bleak situation, Rooney remains optimistic about the club’s future moving forward.
    He said: “This club will exist. This club will grow.
    “I’ve seen the headlines in the papers the last couple of days and that’s news to me. I don’t think there’s even an option of the club going into liquidation.

    “I know some of the staff, when they read that, get worried, but from my point of view there’s quite a few buyers who are very interested in the club.
    “It’s not through lack of people wanting to come in and take over the club, it’s purely just getting it done, getting it over the line and there are details that need sorting out before that can happen.”
    Ten days ago joint administrator Carl Jackson said they hoped to find an approved bidder within two to three weeks and that the takeover be finalised by the end of January.
    And Rooney went on to suggest the club’s current state could be a chance to start again.
    He added: “This club will not go into liquidation. A new owner will come in. We have had a setback but sometimes setbacks are good. It is a chance to restart and rebuild, which I feel this club has needed.
    “This gives us the opportunity to do things in the right way and try to progress through hard work and determination, but also doing things properly, which I think is important.
    “I understand the frustration from the fans because obviously they don’t get every detail. But from all the discussions I’ve had, this club will be fine.” More

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    Phil Dwyer dead at 68: Cardiff legend and former Wales defender passes away as fans pay tribute to ‘true great’

    CARDIFF legend Phil Dwyer has tragically passed away at the age of 68 as tributes pour in for the former Wales defender.Capped on ten occasions by national team between 1978 and 1979, Dwyer also featured in a club-record 575 games for the Bluebirds during his 13-year spell.
    Former Cardiff defender Phil Dwyer has died at the age of 68Credit: Getty
    Welsh star Dwyer was capped by The Dragons on ten occasions, scoring two goalsCredit: Getty
    Dwyer came through Cardiff’s academy after joining in 1969, before making his debut against Leyton Orient as an 18-year-old in October 1972.
    The three-time Welsh Cup winner retired after the 1984-85 campaign following a loan spell at Rochdale.
    After retiring from football he joined the South Wales Police, before departing the force in 2000.
    In a club statement, Cardiff said: “Cardiff City Football Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of the club’s record appearance holder, Phil Dwyer, at the age of 68.”
    Before adding: “Our thoughts go out to Phil’s friends and family at this extremely sad time. On their behalf, we ask that their privacy is respected.
    “Rest in peace, Phil – a true Cardiff City great.”

    Wales also commented on Dwyer’s death, as they remarked: “The Football Association of Wales is saddened to learn that former Cymru international Phil Dwyer has passed away, aged 68.
    “The thoughts of everyone at the FAW are with Phil Dwyer’s family and friends at this sad time.”
    South Wales Police then posted: “We’re sorry to hear of the passing of former Wales and Cardiff City footballer Phil Dwyer, who served with South Wales Police after hanging up his boots.
    “Our thoughts and condolences are with Phil’s loved ones.”
    Fans were quick to pay their respect to Dwyer, as TV presenter Jason Mohammad tweeted: “Heartbroken to hear that Phil Dwyer has passed on. One my first Cardiff City heroes.
    “Gave everything for the City. Remember him even laughing during games with the entire Bob Bank. From Pompey away to Ninian – thanks for the memories Phil.”
    Another user commented: “RIP Phil Dwyer, Mr Cardiff City. Legend.”
    A third added: “Another legend Phil Dwyer gone before his time!! So so sad, what a character!”
    Meanwhile one said: “Gutted to hear of the passing of Phil Dwyer. A true legend. Rest in peace.”
    Another simply stated: “Rest in peace to a true Bluebirds and Wales legend. Mr Cardiff City.”
    Jack Grealish was ‘really close’ to Man Utd transfer and interest sparked £100m Aston Villa release clause More

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    Fulham line up £18m transfer bid for Angelo Fulgini as Angers striker has heart set on playing in England

    FULHAM are making a big push for Angers No 10 Angelo Fulgini and could meet the £18million price.The Cottagers know they will be losing Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa to either Napoli or even Crystal Palace at the end of the season.
    Angers midfielder Angelo Fulgini is being chased by Championship side FulhamCredit: Getty
    Eagles boss Patrick Vieira is a huge fan of the Cameroon international, who has been starring during his loan spell for the Napes outfit.
    With the 26-year-old having just a year left on his contract at Craven Cottage, Fulham will be forced into selling the player to avoid losing him on a free.
    And they will turn their attention to Angers ace Fulgini.
    Ivory Coast-born Fulgini has shone for Angers, but they will sell and the player is desperate to come to England.
    The 25-year-old has impressed for the Ligue 1 outfit this term, who sit sixth in the table – just two points off the Champions League spots.
    Fulgini has been a key player for Gerald Baticle’s side – chipping in with two goals and as many assists from 14 games.

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    SunSport exclusively revealed last month how his performances have caught the eye of Premier League clubs.
    Officials from Angers were even sent to England to discuss his future.
    Fulgini joined The Black and Whites from Valenciennes in 2017, having come through the Ligue 2 club’s academy.
    He appeared 84 times, netting nine goals before making the switch four years ago.
    The former France youth international was also the subject of reported interest from Feyenoord over the summer.
    But the two clubs couldn’t agree a fee.
    Mitrovic waves and blows kiss to abusive Millwall fans as he boards Fulham team bus after scoring in win at The Den More

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    Peterborough’s home clash against Barnsley plunged into darkness after power cut at London Road

    PETERBOROUGH UNITED’s Championship showdown with Barnsley was plunged into darkness ten minutes before full-time.The Posh welcomed their fellow relegation battlers to London Road on Saturday afternoon looking to narrow the gap between themselves and 21st-placed Reading.
    Peterborough United’s Championship clash with Barnsley was plunged into darkness when the floodlights failedCredit: REX

    The duo ended up sharing spoils in the dull 0-0 draw, which will best be remembered for the floodlights failing in the dying embers of the match.
    Both sets of players were hauled off after the lights went out and fans were encouraged to remain in their seats.
    But they had to wait less than 15 minutes for the lights to come back on and play to resume.
    Barnsley fans, however, were more than happy fo to remain in darkness.
    Owls fans began chanting: “We’ll play in the dark, we’ll play in the dark.
    “We’re Barnsley FC, we’ll play in the dark.”

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    Barnsley fans keeping up with the game from the comfort of their homes also shared their thoughts on Twitter.
    One tweeted: “Nothing on that pitch today is worth seeing, so that’s not a bother really.”
    Another said: “We can’t even play when it’s light.”
    And another said: “More chance of scoring in the dark.”
    One remarked: “Might actually play better!”
    Another said: “Can’t concede if no one sees it eh.”
    The stalemate at London Road did neither side any favours in their bid to beat the drop, with Peterborough now on 16 points and Barnsley on 12.
    Peterborough will be back in action next Saturday, travelling to the City Ground to take on Nottingham Forest.
    Barnsley, meanwhile, will welcome eighth-placed Huddersfield to Oakwell.
    The power at London Road went out with ten minutes of the match remainingCredit: REX
    Barnsley fans broke into chants of ‘we’ll play in the dark’ during the unexpected intermissionCredit: REX
    The match ended in a dull 0-0 drawCredit: REX
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