Barnsley 4 Ipswich 1

BRIAN HOWARD has vowed to fight for the match ball after claiming the first ‘hat-trick’ of his Barnsley career.

Following on from Saturday’s sensational FA Cup win over Chelsea, the fairytale just goes on and on for the Tykes — and captain marvel Howard in particular.

Simon Davey’s men bounced back after going behind to dish out a defeat which damages Ipswich’s play-off hopes.

Scotland hopeful Howard insists Barnsley’s fourth goal four minutes from time should be his — despite it being credited as a David Wright own goal.

He insisted: “It’s definitely a hat-trick as far as I’m concerned.

“My corner from the right was definitely going in. I don’t care who it might have hit en route.

“And what’s more, it was absolutely deliberate on my part — scoring direct from a corner is something I’ve done before.

“I will fight anyone who tries to take the ball off me. I checked with the referee to make sure I could have it and now I’m taking it to bed with me!”

It was only Barnsley’s third success in 15 league games — and much needed as they cast a worrying glance over their shoulder to the dogfight just below.

Saturday’s Cup quarter-final goalscoring hero Kayode Odejayi wasted three early chances before Ipswich took a 20th-minute lead.

Velice Sumulikoski’s fierce shot was shoved out by Luke Steele and Pablo Counago pounced from close range.

Seven minutes later, Howard equalised with a low, angled shot from the left.

Then Jon Macken, ineligible from the Wembley parade because he is cup-tied, made it 2-1 five minutes after the interval with a two-yard header from another in-swinging Howard corner.

Alan Lee and strike partner Counago both hit the woodwork as the Tractor Boys charged back.

But Howard netted from the penalty spot when David Norris brought down Jamal Campbell-Ryce after 83 minutes.

And his ‘third’ arrived just four minutes later.

Barnsley No 2 Ryan Kidd said: “We are absolutely delighted. We changed two or three bodies to bring in fresh legs and now we are five matches unbeaten after beating a good side like Ipswich.

“Spirits are sky high and we think there is no reason why we can’t go to Crystal Palace on Saturday and get another really good result.”

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton said: “It became a bit embarrassing near the end. I appreciate Barnsley are riding the crest of a wave at the moment after beating both Chelsea and Liverpool in the cup. They have the momentum.

“But several of my players packed it in during the closing stages, and that simply won’t do.

“Our fans who travelled a long way deserve better.”

David Moore (The Sun)