Michael Duff's previous outfit were seen off in a competitive affair in South Yorkshire this afternoon.

A Luke Thomas strike midway through the second half saw Barnsley to a first victory of the 22/23 season.

The Reds began the game brightly and set the tone early in the encounter. However, these advances were not met without a threatening Robins frontline, with Dan Nlundulu and Alfie May running in behind on the counter-attack at every opportunity.

It took until the 24th minute however for the first clear cut chance to be carved out, and it fell to the Reds. Some lovely intricate between Jack Aitchison and Luke Thomas on the edge of the area allowed the former to fire on goal, but his effort was saved well by Luke Southwood in the Robins’ goal.

Michael Duff was forced into an early change shortly after, with Nicky Cadden taking a knock and having to be replaced by Luca Connell; seeing Callum Styles drop into the wingback position.

Whilst looking like the team in the ascendency, the Reds didn't manage to create a clear-cut chance before referee Carl Brook called time on the first half.

HALF-TIME: Barnsley 0-0 Cheltenham Town

Shortly after the break, Mads Andersen had the ball in the back of the net after a rebound fell into his path, but the assistant referee’s raised flag quickly halted any premature celebrations.

Once again, the visitors looked sprightly on the counter, and almost found an opener. A ball flashed across the front found May in the area, but his effort was flicked over Brad Collins’ bar.

It was the Reds who would soon go on to break the deadlock at Oakwell. It came in the 66th minute as Thomas picked up some loose possession and drove towards the box before unleashing a powerful, bending effort on his left that left the goalkeeper clutching at thin air. 

The visitors couldm't muster a response, and if anything, the Reds could have doubled their lead, particularly when Liam Kitching went on a mazy run, beating defenders before arrowing an effort just over the crossbar.

A first goal, first clean sheet and first three points for Michael Duff and his side on an afternoon that will hopefully get the new season up and running.

FULL-TIME: Barnsley 1-0 Cheltenham Town

Collins (GK), Williams, Styles, Kitching, Andersen ©, Cadden (Connell), Norwood (Cole) , Benson, Thomas (Hondermarck), McCarthy, Aitchison (Marsh).

Unused Subs: Walton (GK), Moon, Cundy.