While there was a tinge of frustration that Wanderers failed to make the most of their home advantage at the weekend and ensure they would take a lead to Oakwell, they are still very much in the tie.

On paper, the tense 1-1 draw was a more favourable result for Barnsley heading into the rematch on Friday night.

However, the Yorkshire outfit would be foolish to write off Ian Evatt’s men at the half-way point as both clubs battle to join Plymouth and Ipswich in the Championship next season.

The first leg panned out as many fans expected - Wanderers had lots of the ball, enjoying 62 per cent of the possession. They also made 413 passes compared to Barnsley’s 246, according to data from WhoScored.

But the Tykes were typically well-organised and the Whites struggled to break them down at times, only managing one shot on target during the entire game. They had seven shots in total compares to the visitors’ 19, many of which came from set-pieces.

It is not a new problem for Evatt, who is used to teams sitting back and looking to frustrate his side in League One.

Those types of games can also leave Wanderers vulnerable on the break when committing bodies forwards, particularly against dangerous attackers such as Devante Cole.

However, the second leg will likely be a very different affair, with the onus on Barnsley to attack and dictate the play in front of a home crowd.

If that is the case, it could suit the Whites to a tee as they aim to secure a return to Wembley. Evatt’s men tend to be effective in transition and have the pace and quality to hurt teams who come at them.

The Bolton News: Morley was on target in the win at Bristol RoversMorley was on target in the win at Bristol Rovers (Image: Camerasport)

The recent 3-2 win at Bristol Rovers was a rare example of Wanderers having less of the ball in the league this season. The Whites had 47 per cent of possession and made 394 passes compared to the hosts’ 444.

Despite this observation, Evatt’s men consistently carried a threat in the final third – managing 14 shots on goal compares to 13 from Joey Barton’s side. They were also clinical, scoring with three of their five shots on target at the Memorial Stadium.

This pattern was repeated in the 1-0 victory at Oxford last month. Liam Manning’s sides typically play on the front foot, and that was the case at the Kassam Stadium despite their relegation fears at the time.

On that occasion, Wanderers had 43 per cent of possession and made 380 passes compared to the hosts’ 484. They had less joy in the final third against the U’s, only managing four shots on goal compared to Oxford’s 25.

But Evatt’s men demonstrated their ability to defend resiliently and dig in to protect James Trafford’s clean sheet despite facing waves of pressure at times. They were again clinical in front of goal, scoring with one of their two shots on target.

The Whites will be hoping they can find a similar ruthless streak in front of goal at Oakwell and ask more questions of Barnsley goalkeeper Harry Isted, who was criticised for his role in the equaliser after failing to keep hold of Randell Williams’ cross.

They must also stand up to the hosts’ attacking threat, and Ricardo Santos’ aerial dominance could prove to be a very useful asset at the heart of defence.

Trafford is also likely to be tested, but the Manchester City loanee has already proven he has what it takes to step up and delivery on the big occasions.