Football: Fjortoft's big lift-off
Barnsley 2 Fjortoft 25, 63 Wimbledon 1 Euell 71 Attendance:17 ,1
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BARNSLEY finally climbed off the bottom of the Premiership for the first time in four months after two goals from Jan-Age Fjortoft beat Wimbledon.
Danny Wilson's side have been at the foot of the table since 4 October following their 5-0 hammering at Arsenal, but with Bolton not playing until today and Crystal Palace having been beaten by Coventry, the Tykes can now see a gap between themselves and the top of the First Division.
They are now unbeaten at Oakwell since 29 November, while a remarkable FA Cup run has given them the confidence for the matter of a Premiership survival fight.
Wimbledon, who had won two and drawn two of their last four League games, know they cannot afford many more slip-ups if they are to avoid being drawn into trouble.
As he is Cup-tied, Fjortoft has flitted in and out of the side, but the Norwegian international made the most of this opportunity, scoring his first in the 25th minute, lofting his close-range shot over goalkeeper Neil Sullivan after being set up by Nicky Eaden and Clint Marcelle.
Barnsley, put under enormous pressure during the second half, managed to grab a bizarre match-winning second just after the hour. Darren Barnard's free-kick from the halfway line was floated into the penalty area, with Sullivan dropping the ball while under challenge from Marcelle.
As the Wimbledon players looked to the referee for a foul, the loose ball seemed to drop on to the leg of Fjortoft before trickling over the line.
Eight minutes later Wimbledon halved the deficit when Jason Euell headed in Kenny Cunningham's cross at the far post for his eighth of the season. It was backs to the wall defending in the closing 20 minutes, but Barnsley held on.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments