Barnsley fans have made their feelings known about on-loan goalkeeper Harry Isted and there’s a lot of love for the 26 year old from the Oakwell faithful.
Late in the first half of the South Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday, Isted pulled off a superb one handed save to deny Owls striker Michael Smith`s bullet header that seemed destined for the back of the Barnsley net. Isted had other ideas and continued to put in another solid performance in a Barnsley shirt.
At the time of writing, Barnsley currently sit 4th in League One, 12 points clear of the sides chasing the top six. However, due to recent results, the club are now only six points off the top two, meaning there’s a lot more still at play for Michael Duff’s side.
Before joining Barnsley on loan, Harry Isted had started two EFL games.
Since joining:
🧤 P9 W8 D1 L0
⛔️ 5 CLEAN SHEETS
😳 THIS SAVEGetting the game time he deserves. 💪 #GKUnionpic.twitter.com/qrSSsRibcX
— The Goalkeepers' Union Podcast (@GKUnion) March 21, 2023
Since moving to Oakwell on loan from Championship side Luton Town, Isted has made nine appearances since regular Tykes keeper Brad Collins succumbed to injury.
During that nine game spell, Isted has only conceded five goals and kept five clean sheets. Collins returned from injury recently but Tykes manager Michael Duff has been reluctant to replace Isted given the great form he is showing.
There is a real battle for the Number 1 shirt at Oakwell which can only be a good thing for Duff and the club.
Barnsley fans have made their thoughts known on Isted when replying to Barnsley Chronicle reporter Doug O`Kane`s tweet when referring to that save against rivals Wednesday.
Here are what some of the Barnsley fans had to say;
- Mick Crabtree (@Steelerjake) – “Needs to be offered a good contract, then we will have two great keepers.”
- Marcothered (@MarkLom09143430) – “We need to sign him ASAP, very good keeper.”
- Ian Horton (@ianhorton68) – “I think he’s quality. Not the biggest but an old school goalie who actually catches the ball.”
Writers View
To say I am impressed with Isted in an understatement. He has come into the side mid season and hit the ground running. Whilst he has made some game defining saves in big games, he all round calmness under pressure has settled supporters and his fellow defenders.
He is good in the air and has been tested in this department in games against Derby, Wycombe and Sheffield Wednesday. The goals Isted has conceded cannot be attributed to him, we all hope a permanent deal can be secured in the summer.
