CITY’S unbeaten league start to the season is still intact after a 2-2 draw at Barnsley on Saturday.

That’s now 15 league games unbeaten this season and 21 games in total if you include the six games we were undefeated in at the end of last season. A tremendous achievement for everyone at the club, but particularly the players and manager Steve Cotterill.

Barnsley certainly provided a good test on Saturday and they came as close as anyone to ending our long unbeaten run. The game followed a similar pattern that many have this season with City taking the lead but then being pegged back.

Defender Luke Ayling scored a first half header only for Barnsley to equalise in the second half. Ayling’s goal was of note not just because it was his first of the season but also because it meant that all of Saturday’s starting line-up (bar goalkeeper Fielding) have scored for City this season, representing a true team effort thus far.

Despite his goal Ayling was not having the best of games at the back – neither was the man playing to his right Mark Little, who is an attacking wing-back in the truest form.

Barnsley deservedly went ahead when Ayling made a needless challenge in the area and the referee pointed to the spot. It was soft as Barnsley’s Hourihane was going away from goal. The penalty was scored and City’s unbeaten record was under serious threat with just over 20 minutes remaining. But then in the 79th minute Aaron Wilbraham thumped home an equaliser to send the travelling support from Bristol wild.

This Saturday City face Oldham Athletic at Ashton Gate (3pm). The Latics, managed by ex-City player Lee Johnson, have been on a great run of form themselves, unbeaten in 11 games. I feel we’ve been flagging in the last couple of weeks and could really do with winning this before going into a short break from the league due to the FA Cup. I have to say I fear the worst and have a hunch we may get beaten on Saturday – hopefully I’m completely wrong!