Barnsley 1-0 Chelsea

Mar 9 2008 Jamie Hewitt Reports

TYKES hero Kayode Odejayi believes the giant killers can go all the way after reaching their first FA Cup semi for nearly 100 years.

The Nigerian hitman hadn't scored for 28 games but popped up in the 60th minutes to head home and stun Chelsea's multi millionaires.

Now after adding the Blues' scalp to Liverpool's in the last round the striker believes it could be an omen.

He said: "We know it could be our year with the teams we've turned over so far. You never know.

"Victory was not just down to me, it was the whole squad. Everyone deserved it for the effort they put in.

"It's the glory of the FA Cup. It's a magical tournament and that has just been proved again."

The last time Barnsley reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 1912 they went on to lift the trophy.

Barnsley boss Simon Davey paid tribute to his goal hero who has taken flak from fans during a goal drought.

Davey felt "speechless" but managed to say: "The players were fantastic.

"Kayode has taken a lot of stick this year but has come out and scored the winner and I'm really pleased for him.

"The boys were magnificent. To take on a team like Chelsea with the millions they've got is unbelievable.

"I'm over the moon. We went to Anfield, put on a show and came away with the result.

"I believed from the start we could do it again especially as we've only lost twice at home this season.

"I've never even been to Wembley, just like a lot of the players in my dressing-room and I just can't wait."

Chelsea boss Avram Grant will rue having rested Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, Claude Makelele, Paulo Ferreira and Ashley Cole after their midweek Euro action.

The underdogs took the game to their rivals with Brian Howard's shot testing Carlo Cudicini inside three minutes.

Odejayi and Istvan Ferenczi were next to threaten for the Tykes while Chelsea were limited to half chances.

Blues regrouped and dominated the second half but were stunned as the home side broke away and Marciano van Homoet's cross was nodded home by towering Odejayi.

Grant was magnanimous, saying: "I'm disappointed but credit to Barnsley.

"They showed a lot of spirit. They won against Liverpool, they won against us so I congratulate them. I'm sad about this. It's an important competition.

"We had a chance to do something in this tournament. We didn't do it so now we have to look forward to the league and Champions League."