Nick Townsend blooper blow for BarnsleyA sixth-minute howler from goalkeeper Nick Townsend sent Barnsley on their way to a sixth successive defeat as they suffered a 2-0 setback at Scunthorpe in Sky Bet League One.He fluffed an attempted clearance in his own six-yard box to gift home striker Tom Hopper his first goal of the season.It was a nightmare start for the struggling Tykes, who tried to make amends as centre-back Lewin Nyatanga twice went close to an equaliser from set-pieces.First he lifted a shot fractionally over, then flashed a header just inches wide of the far post.But it was veteran winger Gary McSheffrey who then took centre stage as Scunthorpe stirred again before the break.First he had a shot well turned away by Townsend before popping up in the 41st minute to meet a low right-wing cross from Scott Wiseman with a cracking right-footed shot that flashed into the net from 12 yards for the 100th league goal of his career.On the stroke of half-time there was more misery for Barnsley when they missed the chance to get quickly back into the game from the penalty spot after a foul in the box by centre-back Murray Wallace.Former Scunthorpe striker Sam Winnall stepped forward to take it but saw his poorly-struck kick saved at the foot of his right-hand post by goalkeeper Luke Daniels.There were no scares in a goalless second half as fast-improving Scunthorpe secured a fifth win in the last six games, while Barnsley remained anchored in the bottom fourSource : PA
Source: PA