The Reds secured comfortable progression into the Emirates FA Cup third round with a 3-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra on Saturday afternoon.

Devante Cole's first half strike and second half goals from Adam Phillips and Josh Benson were enough for Michael Duff's side who dominated against their lower league opponents throughout.

It was indeed the Reds who applied the early pressure in this tie, having a couple of early corners and getting in behind on a couple of occasions down the left via Nicky Cadden. 

The skipper, Mads Andersen was presented with a golden opportunity via a corner, the Dane rising unopposed but heading wide of the mark from a Luca Connell delivery.

Adam Phillips nearly found the back of the net with a rasping effort from 20 yards midway through the first half, with the strike narrowly going over the bar after a nick off a Crewe defender on the way through.

This pressure from the Reds paid off in the 29th minute, with Devante Cole giving us the lead from a corner. Connell delivered another dangerous ball into the centre, with Andersen connecting once again. His header led to a scramble in the six-yard-box, resulting in Cole poking home from close range for his sixth goal of the season in all competitions.

The striker nearly made it seven for the season just minutes later, after Phillips flashed a venomous ball across the six-yard-box which evaded both the Crewe 'keeper and recovering defender allowing Cole to slide in at the back stick. However, the defender accompanying Cole did enough to ensure the ball ended up wide of the goal from point blank range.

HALF-TIME: Barnsley 1-0 Crewe

Shortly after the restart, the Reds' lead was doubled. Herbie Kane was the recipient of a late challenge, with the referee playing a good advantage with the Reds advancing forward. Kitching stepped up from defence and played in Phillips who made no mistake, rifling into the roof of the net from close range in the 48th minute.

Things got even better in the 59th minute for the Reds, with referee Tom Reeves pointing to the spot, with Luca Connell being brought down in the area after demonstrating some quick feet. Benson stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, striking home in the bottom left corner.

The visitors made their presence known however not long after, forcing Jack Walton into action. Tariq Uwakwe let fly inside the area on his left foot, but the Reds 'keeper got down well to squash any hopes of a Crewe comeback.

Barnsley (ball number 50) will be in the hat for Monday night's third round draw.

FULL-TIME: Barnsley 3-0 Crewe

Walton, Edwards, Kitching, Andersen (Cundy), Cadden (Larkeche), Kane, Norwood (Jalo), Benson, Phillips (Chapman), Cole (Martin), Connell.

Unused: Collins, Moon, Aitchison, Nejman.