Barnsley fell to a 1-0 defeat against Blackpool in Sky Bet League One on Saturday.
Jordan Rhodes’ penalty midway through the first half was all that separated the two sides on a disappointing afternoon at Oakwell.
Goal scoring opportunities were few and far between in what was a laboured opening period, with Devante Cole seeing an early chance from close range blocked following neat build-up play from John McAtee.
Aside from that, we struggled to get into an attacking rhythm and found ourselves behind when Rhodes converted from the spot after the ever-lively CJ Hamilton had been scythed down in the box by Corey O’Keeffe.
McAtee looked to capitalise on confusion in the Blackpool defence and jink his way beyond a couple of challenges, but once more a Tangerines’ player was on hand to thwart the effort with a lunging tackle.
HALF-TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Blackpool
Despite the introduction of Sam Cosgrove at the break, it was the visitors who made a brighter start to the second half as former Reds midfielder Kenny Dougall forced Liam Roberts into a flying save up to his right.
Barnsley had a gilt-edged opportunity to level when Cosgrove pulled the ball back for McAtee, who took a touch out of his feet but could only lash high into the Ponty End.
We continued to probe, primarily down the flanks, with substitutes Nicky Cadden and Barry Cotter whipping in dangerous crosses to no avail.
Another chance went begging as Cadden’s wicked inswinging free-kick was half-cleared as far as Cotter, whose thunderous drive was blocked by another sprawling Blackpool defender.
With the last throw of the dice, Cole made space in the area and played the ball across goal for Max Watters, but he could only skew his shot wide from close range before Blackpool cleared their lines and claimed all three points.
FULL-TIME: Barnsley 0-1 Blackpool
REDS XI: Roberts (GK), O’Keeffe (Cotter, 58), Williams (C), de Gevigney, McCart, Dodgson (Cadden, 58), Chapman (Cosgrove, 46), Kane, Styles, McAtee, Cole.
Not used: Killip (GK), Shepherd, Russell, Watters.
BLACKPOOL XI: Grimshaw (GK), Connolly, Husband, Norburn (C), Dale (Ekpiteta, 84), Dougall, Weir (Morgan, 63), Rhodes (Carey, 89), Casey, Hamilton, Kouassi (Lavery, 63).
Not used: O’Donnell (GK), Dembele, Thompson.
