MATCH REPORT: Barnsley 3-1 Accrington

Barnsley picked up their first victory in 2023 as they defeated Accrington Stanley 3-1 at Oakwell.

Here`s our report written by Matty Hugill.

James Norwood, Jack Aitchison and Jordan Williams all scored within the opening 20 minutes as The Reds comfortably coasted to victory in front of the home faithful, despite Tommy Leigh converting a penalty for the visitors late on.

After zero goals scored and eight goals conceded in the first three games of 2023, Barnsley needed a bright start in this one, and that is exactly what they got.

Only five minutes in, The Reds went 1-0 in front. After debutant Bobby Thomas went for the ball in the air, the ball hung up in the air and James Norwood went for the spectacular. His overhead kick was beyond the reach of Toby Savin and Norwood had goal number 174 in an illustrious career so far, in quite breath-taking fashion too.

And on eight minutes, it was two. Luca Connell floated a cross into the box that looked to have been gathered easily by Savin. However, the Accrington goalkeeper spilled the ball and it fell kindly for Jack Aitchison, who rolled the ball into an empty net to put The Reds 2-0 up on his return to the starting line-up.

It was so nearly three very shortly after, as a ball into the box caused panic in the Accrington defence, and Harvey Rodgers skewed wide of his own goal, sparing his blushes.

However, Barnsley were not to be denied for long and it was 3-0 on 19 minutes. The Reds broke at pace down the right-hand side, and former Accrington loanee Adam Phillips found Jordan Williams in the box. Williams found the bottom corner to put The Reds in firm control of the game, and effectively wrap the game up as a contest.

Shortly before half-time, it could very easily have been a fourth for The Reds. Norwood hit a powerful effort towards goal, but Savin was there to tip it over the bar and stop the former Tranmere striker from scoring his second of the afternoon.

The Reds picked up where they left off in the second half and went to try and grab a fourth goal. Phillips found Herbie Kane inside the box, and the midfielder hit one just wide of the far post, before firing over the bar following Barnsley's next attack.

Mads Andersen headed one only just wide of the far post following a corner, and Williams was the next one to go close, but his 25-yard effort went just over Savin's bar.

Accrington kept pushing forward in an attempt to bring back some sort of respectability to the scoreline, and had a golden opportunity to do so in the fourth minute of stoppage time, as Ziyad Larkeche fouled Leslie Adekoya in the penalty area, making it the fifth penalty The Reds had conceded in six games.

Despite the best efforts of Barnsley shot-stopper Brad Collins, Tommy Leigh found the roof of the net from the spot kick to give Accrington a very late consolation.

However, this was to be the last kick of the game as following the penalty, the referee blew the full-time whistle, as Barnsley had their first win and goals of 2023 to end their three-match losing streak.

With Peterborough United, Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol Rovers all having their games postponed, Barnsley tightened their grip on 6th place as they went five points clear of Peterborough in 7th. They will look to add to their momentum on Tuesday night as they make the long trip to take on Exeter City.

Highlights