Barnsley recorded back-to-back league wins for the first time this campaign with a 3-1 triumph over Charlton Athletic at Oakwell on Saturday afternoon.
Josh Benson’s incredible opener was added to after the interval by James Norwood and Devante Cole, before Jack Payne’s late consolation for the visitors.
That couldn’t take the gloss off an impressive result for the Reds, who had to dig deep for large spells of the game and showed a clinical edge to seal all three points and make it five unbeaten in Sky Bet League One.
Both sides made a bright start to the encounter and enjoyed an equal share of possession, but it was Barnsley who took the lead as Benson crashed in an unstoppable drive from long range that soared into the top corner with just 10 minutes on the clock.
It was a thing of beauty from the midfielder and will certainly be a strong contender for our Goal of the Season award.
Shortly after, we had the ball in the net again as Benson’s effort from the edge of the box ricocheted into the path of Devante Cole who was adjudged to be in an offside position.
Charlton grew into the contest and had several good chances to level, with Corey Blackett-Taylor and Mandela Egbo firing well into the Ponty End, while Jesurun Rak-Sakyi was denied by a last-ditch Tom Edwards challenge.
On the stroke of half-time, having created very little during the opening period, the Reds almost had a second when Nicky Cadden’s inswinging corner was headed off the line.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 1-0 Charlton Athletic
The visitors looked to gain a foothold after the restart and were lively down the flanks, with Jack Walton forced into a reflex save from a dangerous cross.
Despite that scare, Barnsley rallied and Cole wriggled free of a couple of challenges before picking out Norwood, who audaciously flicked the ball home with his heel from inside the six-yard box.
Midway through the half, we almost added a third when Luke Thomas’ through ball bobbled into the path of Adam Phillips, but his fierce attempt clattered off the upright.
It wouldn’t be long until that next goal came, though, as Jordan Williams scampered forward and latched onto Herbie Kane’s delightful pass, evaded two challenges then squared for Cole, who had the simple task of tapping into an empty net.
With five minutes remaining, Charlton substitute Payne drilled in low and hard after the Reds failed to deal with Charlie Kirk’s teasing cross into the area.
However, the Reds saw out the remaining time expertly, claiming three more points and sending the Oakwell faithful back home happy.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 3-1 Charlton Athletic
REDS XI: Walton (GK), Williams, Cundy (McCarthy, 66), Andersen (C), Edwards, Cadden (Larkeche, 66), Benson, Kane, Thomas (Martin, 86), Norwood (Phillips, 59), Cole.
Not used: Searle (GK), Hondermarck, Tedić.
CHARLTON XI: MacGillivray (GK), Dobson (McGrandles, 72), Lavelle, O’Connell, Stockley (C), Morgan, Rak-Sakyi (Payne, 72), Egbo (Sessegnon, 72), Fraser (Leaburn, 59), Blackett-Taylor (Kirk, 59), Clare.
Not used: Harness (GK), Inniss.
