Barnsley got back to winning ways with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Accrington Stanley.
First half goals from James Norwood, Jack Aitchison and Jordan Williams sealed a comfortable triumph for the Reds, who were rarely troubled by their struggling visitors, until Tommy Leigh converted a late penalty.
It was a bright start from Michael Duff's side, who were looking for a reaction after a disappointing beginning to the New Year.
Within five minutes, Norwood had set us on our way with a magnificent overhead kick from close range to net his sixth goal of the campaign.
Moments later, it was two as Luca Connell floated a delightful ball into the box that Accrington stopper Toby Savin could only spill at the feet of Aitchison, who showed great composure to take a touch before slotting into an empty net.
Oakwell was well and truly bouncing, and we almost had a third shortly after when a clearance from a visiting defender was skewed narrowly past the upright.
We eventually made it three with 19 minutes on the clock following a quick counter-attack as Adam Phillips scampered clear down the right flank and played a lovely weighted pass into the path of Williams, who confidently found the bottom corner.
Barnsley were in their groove and, shortly before half-time, Norwood came close to doubling his own personal tally for the afternoon when his thunderous effort was palmed away by Savin.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 3-0 Accrington Stanley
We began the second half much like the first, creating plenty of chances and playing with a sort of confidence you would expect from a team holding a three-goal advantage.
Phillips knocked a wonderful ball over the top for Herbie Kane to race onto, but he fired wide of the far post, before our number eight prodded over the bar on the stretch in the next passage of play.
Kane again had another decent opportunity after a flowing Reds move, but saw his effort blocked by the legs of a defender, while Mads Andersen glanced a header wide of the target as we searched for a fourth.
Jordan Williams, fresh from notching his third of the season, tried his luck from 25-yards with a speculative drive that didn’t trouble Savin.
As the seconds ticked away, Ziyad Larkeche was penalised for a foul in the box and Leigh rammed in the resulting spot-kick, despite Brad Collins’ best efforts, to net a late consolation for Stanley.
It couldn’t take the gloss off what was a fine display from the Reds, who got back to winning ways and remain in the top six.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 3-1 Accrington Stanley
REDS XI: Collins (GK), Williams, B Thomas, Andersen (C), Kitching, Cadden (Larkeche, 81), Phillips, Connell, Kane (Wolfe, 82), Norwood (Cole, 76), Aitchison (Watters, 65).
Not used: Searle, Oduor, Martin.
ACCRINGTON XI: Savin (GK), Hamilton (Longelo, 60), Astley (Nottingham, 79), Coyle, Whalley (Woods, 60), Leigh, McConville (C) (Adekoya, 70), Rodgers, Martin, Quirk, Tharme (Perritt, 80).
Not used: Jensen (GK), Fernandes.
