Barnsley

1-0

Chelsea

Odejayi 66

 
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON
Sixth Round Proper
5.30pm, Saturday 8 March 2008
Oakwell, Barnsley FC
Winning clubs will receive £300,000 from The FA
The FA Live TV fee is £265,000 per club
Recent FA Cup Results - Results



Kayode Odejayi’s second-half header gave Barnsley a truly memorable victory over FA Cup holders Chelsea in a stunning tie at Oakwell.

The striker, who had not scored since September, rose highest in the penalty area to head home Martin Devaney’s cross and send the Yorkshire club to Wembley.

Chelsea piled on the pressure in an effort to find an equaliser but goalkeeper Luke Steele was rarely troubled as the Championship side clinched their place in the last four for the first time since 1912.

Barnsley, who have struggled for form since their famous victory at Anfield, showed no signs of nerves against the FA Cup holders at a packed out Oakwell.

With Odejayi a constant menace in attack, Simon Davey’s men looked the far more composed and purposeful in possession.

Having brushed Olympiakos aside with ease in the Champions League last Wednesday, Chelsea suddenly found themselves in a real contest with Barnsley constantly hustling their higher ranked opponents.

Chelsea looked vulnerable throughout the opening period and Odejayi came within inches of giving the Championship side the lead, but he failed to make the most of some indecision between John Terry and Carlo Cudicini in the Chelsea goal.

Barnsley appeared to be growing in confidence and when striker Istvan Ferenczi saw his effort smash against the post, Oakwell started to believe their team could produce yet another famous FA Cup result.

Chelsea improved after the break with Nicolas Anelka failing to connect with a couple of half-chances, while Jamal Campbell-Ryce did brilliantly to hack the Frenchman’s effort off the goalline.

The Premier League side were starting to exert their authority on proceedings with Joe Cole, the outstanding player in the Chelsea side, pulling the strings from midfield.

But just as Chelsea appeared to be putting Barnsley in their place, the home side shocked the men from Stamford Bridge with a well worked strike.

Devaney, who laid on the equaliser for Stephen Foster at Liverpool, found space down the right and his first-time cross was headed home by the towering figure of Odejayi.

The goal sparked wild scenes of celebration among the home fans, while Grant was left bewildered by the ease with which the Barnsley striker had beaten Cudicini to the ball.

Chelsea piled forward in search of an equaliser with Claudio Pizarro thrown on, while Barnsley hero Odejayi left the field to a standing ovation as the home side looked to close out the game.

The visitors threw caution to the wind in a bid to find an equaliser but Michael Ballack and John Terry both failed to hit the target.

Chelsea continued to bombard the Barnsley penalty area with high balls as they looked for an equaliser but they could not find an answer as Barnsley’s FA Cup dream took another remarkable twist.